A judge in Minnesota has denied a request by AgriStats that the information involving it in price-fixing lawsuits be sealed – i.e. kept secret.
AgriStats said the information was provided to the government as part of its investigations into price-fixing in the poultry, pork and beef markets.
If that information becomes public, AgriStats said it would hurt its business.
Ironically, AgriStats is accused because it collected information about supplies, production and pricing from meat-packing companies, compiled it into reports which went back to all of the companies involved.
In other words, ironically the company accused of sharing information that ought to be confidential is seeking court protection from revealing its information.
Judge John F. Docherty emphasized the importance of public access to records, especially when the government is involved in litigation.
