Pork producers could soon be opening their piggy banks.
Millions of Americans who purchased pork products may qualify for part of a $117 million class-action settlement tied to claims that pork prices were improperly inflated.
The settlements apply to consumers who indirectly bought eligible raw pork products between June 28, 2014, and June 30, 2018.
Eligible purchases could include grocery-store bacon and other pork items, including pork bellies, loins, shoulders, ribs and pork chops.
The litigation arose from allegations that major processors conspired to drive up pork prices by restricting supply and using industry data to shape the market.
Companies named in the case, including Agri Stats, Clemens, Hormel, Seaboard, Triumph, Tyson and Smithfield, have denied the allegations.
Still, the agreements bring the litigation to a close without a trial and without a determination of whether the companies were at fault.
“The court has not ruled that the defendants did anything wrong, and the companies deny any allegations of wrongdoing,” the settlement’s website states.
Clemens, Hormel, Seaboard, Triumph, Tyson and Smithfield are among the brands included in the settlement.
In total, the current settlements make $117.065 million available for consumers.
While a handful of companies agreed to pay millions, there is no set amount of money that each impacted person will receive.
Eligible consumers who file valid claims will receive a share of the settlement based on the number of people who submit claims and the amount of pork they bought.
The settlement applies to consumers in a whopping 25 states, including New York, California, Florida, Illinois and Michigan.
Not every pork product qualifies, either. Organic pork and products labeled ‘no antibiotics ever’ are excluded, as are certain pork products that were marinated, seasoned, flavored or breaded.
Consumers who believe they qualify have until October 29 to submit a claim.
And even though part of the form asks for ‘purchase information,’ buyers do not have to enter a receipt from years ago.
The website confirms, ‘you do not need to provide any documentation at this time. However, the Settlement Administrator may ask for additional information or documentation to support your claim.’
People who file a claim will not be required to provide a receipt or proof of purchase, but may be asked questions about their purchases
After buyers submit their claim online, they will receive a confirmation email with a unique code – the website says to keep both the email and the code for the time being.
Customers can also submit their claim by mail, if they choose.
There have also been earlier settlements in the case involving JBS and Smithfield totaling $95 million, but the deadline to claim money from those settlements has already passed.
Meanwhile, Agri Stats agreed to certain business-practice changes but is not making a cash payment as part of the settlement.
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