Wahlburgers settles false advertising claims over pickle labeling
Wahlburgers, the fast-food company owned by the family of actor Mark Wahlberg, has settled a lawsuit over false advertising claims regarding its pickles.
Allegations and settlement details
The lawsuit, filed by customers, alleged that Wahlburgers falsely labeled its pickles as “fresh,” “all-natural,” and containing “no preservatives.”
The plaintiffs claimed the pickles contained sodium benzoate, an artificial preservative. While sodium benzoate is considered safe, the plaintiffs argued that the labeling was misleading.
Wahlburgers denies any wrongdoing but opted to settle the lawsuit to avoid further litigation costs. The company has set aside $2 million for payouts. A portion of this amount will go to legal fees, while the rest will be distributed to consumers who purchased the pickles between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2023, according to Top Class Actions. The deadline to file a claim is July 29.
Who qualifies for a payout?
Anyone who purchased Wahlburgers’ pickle products during the specified period is eligible for a cash payout. The company sells three varieties of pickles:
- Fresh Dill Spears
- Fresh Dill Chips
- Fresh Dill Chips Hot
The settlement covers all three products. Consumers can receive up to $2 per product for a maximum of six products without proof of purchase, amounting to a potential $12 payout. Those with proof of purchase may receive a larger amount. Claims can be filed on the settlement website. Filing a fraudulent claim is considered perjury and carries severe penalties.
Understanding class-action settlements
Class action lawsuits allow groups of people, or “classes,” to unite in court against a common defendant. These suits are typically initiated by a few individuals who allege that a company has wronged a large group. Once a suit is certified as a class action, it extends to all “class members” with similar complaints.
Companies often settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation. These settlements usually include payments to class members, who then waive their right to pursue additional legal action. Settlements often come with statements from the defendant denying any wrongdoing.
Other notable class actions
Healthcare data breaches have led to several recent class action settlements. One settlement involves CorrectCare Integrated Health, a medical billing company accused of not adequately protecting patient data, resulting in payouts of up to $10,000. Vision service providers Nationwide Vision and Sightcare are also paying out $300 each to those impacted by a data breach.
There are only a few days left to file a claim in a Victoria’s Secret settlement. Additionally, Americans can receive payments from an $825,000 “poop bag” settlement.
This settlement highlights the increasing scrutiny on companies’ advertising practices and the growing importance of transparency in labeling.
