A class action lawsuit is a type of legal action where one or several individuals bring a case on behalf of a larger group of people who are affected by the same issue. This group is known as a “class,” and its members typically share common legal or factual issues. The main idea is to allow for the efficient resolution of the claims of many individuals in one court proceeding, rather than requiring each member of the class to file an individual lawsuit.
Class action lawsuits are common in cases where the damages or issues affect a large number of people, but the individual damages are too small to make individual lawsuits practical. This can include situations involving consumer fraud, corporate misconduct, defective products, employment practices, and other similar scenarios.
In a class action, the court will first determine whether the case is appropriate for class action status by deciding if the members of the class have enough in common to be grouped together. If the case is approved as a class action, it proceeds to trial or settlement negotiations on behalf of the entire class. If the lawsuit is successful or if a settlement is reached, affected individuals in the class may need to take certain actions to claim their part of any compensation or remedy provided.
Breyers Settles for $8.85 Million Over Misleading Vanilla Claims
In a recent legal development, Breyers has agreed to pay $8.85 million to settle allegations that its ‘Natural Vanilla’ ice cream did not contain vanilla from actual vanilla plants as advertised. This agreement covers anyone who bought any size of this particular flavor between April 21, 2016, and August 14, 2024.
The lawsuit accused Conopco Inc., the parent company of Breyers, of misleading consumers by marketing the ice cream as being made with real vanilla, when it was purportedly flavored with a non-plant-based vanilla essence. While Breyers remains a beloved choice among ice cream lovers and is available nationwide, the company has not acknowledged any misconduct as part of the settlement.
Consumers involved in the class action can now claim $1 for each product they purchased during the specified period. Those without purchase receipts can claim for up to eight products, totaling a maximum of $8. However, for those who kept their receipts, there is an opportunity to claim a reimbursement for every documented purchase, potentially leading to a substantial refund.
The settlement also stipulates important dates: the deadline to exclude oneself from or object to the agreement is October 31, 2024. Furthermore, the final approval of the settlement is scheduled to be reviewed in court on November 21, 2024. To benefit from the settlement, eligible consumers need to submit a valid claim by February 19, 2025.
Zicam to Pay $6 Million Over Claims of Misleading Cold Cure Promises
Zicam has reached a $6 million settlement in a class action lawsuit over allegations that its cold remedy products falsely claimed to shorten the duration of colds. This settlement aims to compensate consumers who felt misled by Zicam’s marketing promises and purchased any Zicam-branded product before October 17, 2024.
Plaintiffs argued that Zicam, a brand owned by Church & Dwight Co. Inc., advertised its range of cold remedy products—including nasal sprays, throat sprays, and lozenges—as capable of reducing both the duration and severity of colds. These assertions, according to the lawsuit, were not substantiated adequately, leading consumers to buy products under potentially false pretenses.
While Church & Dwight has not admitted any wrongdoing as part of the settlement agreement, the company has consented to pay out $6 million to resolve these claims. This settlement is not just about financial compensation; it also includes changes to the marketing and packaging of Zicam products. Going forward, Zicam labels will feature disclaimers like “individual results may vary,” aimed at providing clearer information to consumers about what they can expect from the products.
Here’s what you need to know about the settlement:
- Eligibility: This settlement includes anyone who purchased one or more Zicam products before October 17, 2024.
- Potential Award: Eligible consumers can receive up to $30 if they can show proof of purchase for up to six Zicam products, amounting to $5 per product. Without proof of purchase, consumers can claim up to $5 total for up to two products purchased.
- Proof of Purchase: Accepted proofs include receipts, order confirmations, or other documentation that shows the price paid, date, and location of purchase.
To claim a part of this settlement, class members must submit a valid claim form by February 21, 2025. If you wish to be excluded from the settlement or have objections, you must act by December 18, 2024. The final approval hearing is scheduled for February 28, 2025, where the terms of the settlement will be reviewed one last time.
This settlement highlights the importance of transparent advertising and ensures that consumers can make informed decisions based on accurate product information.
Old Lyme Gourmet Settles for $4 Million Over Misleading Non-GMO Claims
Old Lyme Gourmet has agreed to a $4 million settlement in response to allegations that it misleadingly advertised its Deep River chips as non-GMO, despite the products allegedly containing GMO ingredients. This settlement is aimed at compensating consumers who bought Deep River potato chips labeled as “non-GMO ingredients” from February 2, 2017, to December 6, 2024.
The class action lawsuit claimed that Old Lyme Gourmet used a “non-GMO ingredients” graphic on its Deep River Snacks packaging, which may have led consumers to believe the products were certified by a reputable third party like the Non-GMO Project. According to the lawsuit, this was not the case, which potentially deceived consumers seeking non-GMO snack options.
While Old Lyme Gourmet has not admitted to any wrongdoing, the company has chosen to settle the allegations to avoid the uncertainties of litigation. Under the terms of the settlement, consumers who purchased the affected products can now claim compensation to reflect their purchases. For the first product purchased, claimants can receive $5, and for each additional product, they can receive $0.50. Those with proof of purchase can claim for an unlimited number of products, while those without proof can claim up to 10 products for a total of up to $10.
Here’s what you need to know if you think you may be eligible:
- Eligibility: Anyone who purchased Deep River potato chips labeled as “non-GMO ingredients” during the specified period.
- Potential Award: Claimants can receive more than $10 depending on the number of products purchased with proof.
- Proof of Purchase: Eligible proofs include receipts, order confirmations, or any other documentation that details the purchase.
Important dates to remember include:
- Exclusion and Objection Deadline: March 25, 2025, if you wish to exclude yourself from or object to the settlement.
- Final Approval Hearing: The settlement terms will be reviewed during a hearing scheduled for May 15, 2025.
- Claim Submission Deadline: To receive any compensation, you must submit a valid claim form by July 28, 2025.
This settlement highlights the importance of accurate labeling and honest advertising, especially when it comes to food products and consumer expectations about health-related attributes such as non-GMO status. Consumers have the right to make informed decisions based on truthful product information, and this settlement reinforces that principle.
