Wayne-Sanderson Farms confirms it will pay $17.75 million to settle antitrust litigation over an alleged scheme conducted by major poultry producers to reduce payments to chicken suppliers.
The company opted to settle the case as the “most efficient way to move forward to avoid litigation” and does not acknowledge any wrongdoing, a spokesperson said on Tuesday, noting the case preceded the merger of Sanderson Farms and Wayne Farms, which was formalized with new branding in September. “We look forward to having this behind us and moving ahead with our grower relationships and supporting our farm partners,” the spokesperson said.
Judge Robert Shelby signed off on the accord late last week that calls for Sanderson affiliates to make the settlement payments to end its part of the class action claims. The judge earlier this year also signed off on agreements with Koch Foods, Perdue Farms and Tyson Foods.
Oakwood, Ga.-Wayne Sanderson Farms owns and operates 23 facilities in seven states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas.
