Sunday Edition: Consolidation

Four companies control about 80 percent of the U.S. beef market, and there is no reason to believe that any of them are satisfied with their share.

1. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) reported that Listeria monocytogenes was the most frequent cause of outbreaks it investigated during fiscal year 2025. The outbreaks involved approximately 250 illnesses and 140 hospitalizations, and all involved illnesses in more than one state. Meanwhile, the new annual report from the Interagency Food Safety Analytics Collaboration (IFSAC) shows chicken, leafy greens and dairy products were most frequently the cause of outbreaks of Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria, respectively. IFSAC includes representatives from the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FSIS.
2. In Sweden, an outbreak of hepatitis A has sickened 11 people. The cause has been traced to frozen strawberries and raspberries that were not heated before consumption. Swedish public health officials also reported that in 2025 Listeria infections reached the highest level ever reported. A single outbreak at a restaurant in Stockholm contributed to the spike.
3. Holiday meals are a good time to review safe food handling techniques. The USDA offers practical tips for common dishes served on Easter, Passover and Mother’s Day. In the UK, public health officials cautioned people about the potential for exposure to harmful infections through contact with animals. Public Health Wales said it was important that people do not pick up, cuddle, kiss, or handle lambs during Easter outings to farms and petting attractions.

TODAY’S TOPIC: Consolidation

The final four in the consolidation game are: 

• JBS – This Brazil-based food giant is the world’s largest beef processor. It owns facilities that slaughter and pack over 20,000 cattle per day in the U.S.
• Tyson Foods – Known for chicken, Tyson is also the second largest U.S. beef processor. Their five beef plants process thousands of cattle daily.
• Cargill – This agribusiness conglomerate is the third largest U.S. beef packer and also owns one of the nation’s largest feedlot operations, Cargill Cattle Feeders.
• National Beef – Majority owned by Brazilian meatpacker Marfig, National Beef operates three U.S. packing facilities that process thousands of cattle per day.