StarKist Tuna Class Action Settlement

A settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit alleging StarKist Co. under-filled some of its 5-ounce canned tuna products in violation of state and federal law. If you purchased StarKist tuna, you could be entitled to compensation from the class action settlement.

According to the StarKist tuna class action lawsuit, which was filed in February 2013 by plaintiff Patrick Hendricks, federal law requires 5-ounce cans to contain an average of 2.84 to 3.23 ounces of tuna. However, Hendricks alleges that 5-ounce cans of StarKist tuna only contain an average of 2.81 to 3.11 ounces of tuna.

Hendricks claims he would not have purchased the StarKist tuna products if he had known they did not contain an adequate amount of tuna for a 5-ounce can. He filed the class action lawsuit on behalf of himself and a Class of consumers who purchased the allegedly under-filled cans of StarKist tuna.

StarKist denies the allegations but has agreed to settle the class action lawsuit to avoid the expense and risk associated with continued litigation.

Under the terms of the proposed class action settlement, StarKist will pay $8 million in cash and $4 million in vouchers that are redeemable for StarKist tuna products.

UPDATE: On Feb. 19, 2016, a federal judge denied final approval to the StarKist tuna settlement, calling the deal “unfair” for consumers. A case management conference has been set for March 15, 2016. Top Class Actions will continue to post updates to the case as they’re made available. You can receive these updates by signing up for our free newsletter and/or marking this article as a “Favorite” using your free Top Class Actions account to receive automatic notifications when this article is updated.

UPDATE 2: As of August 11, 2016, the settlement is still on hold.  The judge has not issued a decision, and currently has attorney’s fees under review. Please be patient and keep checking Top Class Actions for updates.

UPDATE 3: On Sept. 29, 2016, a California federal judge gave final approval to a revised $12 million class action settlement over allegations StarKist Co. underfilled cans of tuna, causing consumers to overpay for the product.

UPDATE 4: On October 25, 2016, an appeal to the revised Starkist settlement was filed.  Claims will not be paid until all appeals are exhausted.  We appreciate your ongoing patience. Top Class Actions will continue to provide updates as we learn more.

UPDATE 5: On Oct. 19, 2018, a $12 million StarKist Tuna class action settlement survived the appeals process in the Ninth Circuit, meaning that the settlement can finally move forward.

UPDATE 6: On Sept. 21, 2019, Top Class Actions viewers started receiving checks in the amount of $2.38 or $5.03 in coupons from a StarKist Tuna class action settlement. Congratulations to everyone who filed a claim and got PAID!

Who’s Eligible

Class Members of the StarKist tuna settlement include all U.S. residents who purchased any of the following StarKist products between Feb. 19, 2009 and Oct. 31, 2014:

• 5 oz. Chunk Light in Water
• 5 oz. Chunk Light in Oil
• 5 oz. Solid White in Water
• 5 oz. Solid White in Oil

NOTE: StarKist 5 oz. Chunk White in Water is not included in the class action settlement.

Potential Award

Class Members may elect to receive either a cash payment of $25 or $50 in product vouchers redeemable for StarKist tuna products.

Depending on the number of claims filed, the actual amount each Class Member will receive may be reduced on a pro rata basis.

Proof of Purchase

None required. However, Class Members must submit a Claim Form confirming under the penalty of perjury (1) the specific StarKist product(s) purchased and (2) that the purchases were made between Feb. 19, 2009 and Oct. 31, 2014.

Claim Form

CLICK HERE TO FILE A CLAIM »

Claim Form Deadline

11/20/2015

Case Name

Hendricks v. StarKist Co., Case No. 13-cv-00729-HSG, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

Final Hearing

12/17/2015

Settlement Website

www.TunaLawsuit.com

Claims Administrator

Hendricks v. StarKist Co. Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 40007
College Station, TX 77842-4007
1-888-643-6376

Class Counsel

Scott A. Bursor
BURSOR & FISHER PA

If you have questions about the StarKist tuna class action settlement, you may contact Class Counsel at info@bursor.com

Defense Counsel

Robert Hawk
HOGAN LOVELLS LLP