The proposed settlement in a StarKist tuna class-action lawsuit could be a tough decision for true tuna lovers – should they take $50 worth of tuna, as the company offers, or should they take $25 in cash?
The settlement was worked out after StarKist was accused of skimping on five-ounce cans of tuna, according to a federal lawsuit filed in Oakland two years ago. Attorneys charged that StarKist didn't fill cans to the minimum-required amount,
noted CNN Money.
According to the settlement, in which StarKist doesn't admit to any wrongdoing, the company will pay out a total of $8 million in cash or $4 million in vouchers to buy StarKist tuna.
A
law firm website created to help customers file claims said anyone who purchased StarKist tuna during roughly a five-year period – from Feb. 19, 2009, to Oct. 31, 2014 – will be eligible to collect.
Customers can collect if they purchased one or more five-ounce cans of Chunk Light Tuna in Water, Solid White Tuna in Water, or Solid White Tuna in Oil.
"As often happens with class actions for small items, they're assuming that you haven't saved your last five years' worth of grocery receipts," said Laura Northrup of
The Consumerist.com. "They're asking consumers to say on penalty of perjury when they file a claim that they have, indeed, purchased tuna during the period covered by the suit."
Customers will have until Nov. 20 to file their claim at www.tunalawsuit.com.
The website stated that a hearing will be held in U.S. District Court in San Francisco on Dec. 17 to determine "whether the settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate. If there are objections, the court will consider them."
The the court will determine whether to approve the proposed settlement and attorney fees after the December hearing.
No word on whether the attorneys are willing to take their fees in tuna fish.
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