DOJ seeks six years of beef records from eight major retailers

The U.S. Department of Justice expanded its antitrust probe into high beef prices by seeking six years of records from eight major grocery chains. The letters went to Walmart, Amazon, Costco, Kroger, Publix, Albertsons, Aldi and Ahold Delhaize USA. The requested records cover retail sales and prices. They also cover wholesale purchases and prices. The letters seek information about beef costs and profit margins. They seek information about pricing and purchasing strategies. They seek company analyses of wholesale and retail beef price trends. They also seek information about factors influencing beef prices. Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. sent the letters in mid-July. Woodward called beef prices a critical concern to Americans. He called the issue a priority for the department. The inquiry follows a May investigation of meatpackers. President Trump had accused the industry of collusion and price manipulation. Beef has become more expensive as the U.S. cattle herd shrank. Drought and a screwworm outbreak tightened supply. The administration eased some tariffs and import limits to try to add supply. The grocers have not commented.