in effect
Executive Order 14364, signed December 6, 2025, directs federal antitrust agencies to investigate whether price fixing and other anti-competitive practices in the U.S. food supply chain are raising costs for Americans or threatening national and economic security. It focuses particular attention on food-related companies controlled by foreign entities.
The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission must each create a new Food Supply Chain Security Task Force to investigate anti-competitive behavior in food-related industries including meat processing, seeds, fertilizers, and equipment. If the DOJ task force finds evidence of criminal collusion, the Attorney General is required to open criminal proceedings, which may include grand jury investigations. Both task forces must jointly brief congressional leadership and relevant committee chairs twice — once within 180 days and again within 365 days of December 6, 2025 — summarizing their progress and any recommended legislative actions, though briefings must exclude details of active investigations or non-public information. Agencies may also propose new regulations to address any anti-competitive conduct they uncover.
Companies operating in food supply chain sectors — particularly those with foreign ownership or control — may face antitrust scrutiny, enforcement actions, or criminal investigation if evidence of price fixing or collusion is found. American consumers and farmers are the intended beneficiaries, as the order aims to reduce food costs and protect supply chain stability. The order does not create any new legal rights that individuals or organizations can enforce against the government.