Walmart $45 million settlement: Bought meat, bagged citrus? You may be eligible for up to $500
Walmart has agreed to a $45 million settlement related to a class action lawsuit claiming the nation’s largest retailer sold weighted groceries – including things like meat, seafood and citrus products – for more than the advertised prices.
According to TopClassActions.com, the settlement covers anyone who bought weighted goods or bagged citrus in person at a Walmart store between Oct. 19, 2018 and Jan. 19, 2024. “Weighted goods” is defined as beef, chicken, pork, turkey or other meats, as well as seafood, that is sold by the pound. You can go here to see the complete list.
Bagged citrus includes oranges, grapefruit and tangerines sold in bulk in mesh or plastic bags. You can see the complete list here.
The suit claims Walmart’s point-of-sale machines artificially raised the weight of the goods when marked as a discounted price, causing the total price to be more than advertised. It also claims the bagged produce weights exceeded the actual weight of the product, resulting in customers paying more. Also, goods that were nearing expiration and marked with a yellow sticker were sold at a higher price than the per-unit price indicated.
Walmart denies any wrongdoing and the settlement is awaiting court approval.
How much will customers receive?
If the settlement is approved, shoppers without a receipt or proof of purchase who attest they purchased 1-50 products will receive $10; claimants who bought 51-75 products will receive $15; those who purchased 76-100 products will receive $20; and claimants who purchased 1010 more products will receive $25, TopClassAction.com reported.
Approved claimants with receipts or proof of purchase are entitled to receive 2% of the total cost of the weighted goods and bagged citrus products purchased with a cap of $500.
The amount of the final payments will depend on how many people opt to participate in the settlement. The deadline to opt out of the settlement is May 22 with an approval hearing set for June 12. The deadline to submit claim forms is June 5.