Beef prices are near record levels. The DOJ wants to know if something shady is afoot.

U.S. meat prices have reached record highs this year, driven by smaller cattle herds, droughts, wildfires, processing-plant closures and other supply disruptions. The government is now investigating whether corporate consolidation is also contributing to elevated prices. The story points to persistent inflation pressure in meat and potential antitrust scrutiny across the industry.

Analysis

U.S. meat prices have reached record highs this year, driven by smaller cattle herds, droughts, wildfires, processing-plant closures and other supply disruptions. The government is now investigating whether corporate consolidation is also contributing to elevated prices. The story points to persistent inflation pressure in meat and potential antitrust scrutiny across the industry.