Registration Open for Canned Tuna Purchasers Ahead of Settlement Claims Period

Tuna Settlement Registration Overview:

• Who: Consumers who purchased food-service-sized canned tuna products from Costco, Sam’s Club, and other retailers.
• Why: Canned-tuna manufacturers such as Chicken of the Sea, StarKist, and Bumble Bee Foods agreed to pay a combined $6.5 million to resolve claims they conspired to raise the cost of canned seafood.
• Where: Consumers can register their information on the settlement website.

Consumers can register to participate in a $6.5 million seafood antitrust settlement on the settlement website.

The settlement benefits consumers and companies who purchased food-service-sized canned tuna (40 ounces or larger) directly from the defendants or through wholesale suppliers such as DOT Foods, Sysco, US Foods, Sam’s Club, Walmart, or Costco from June 1, 2011, through Dec. 31, 2016. 

Eligible purchases must have been made in one of the following states: the District of Columbia, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

A separate settlement is open for indirect purchasers of Chicken of the Sea tuna products who purchased the products in certain states and territories between June 1, 2011, and July 1, 2015. Eligible products in that settlement may have been packaged in cans or pouches smaller than 40 ounces. 

Canned-tuna manufacturers such as Chicken of the Sea, StarKist, and Bumble Bee Foods agreed to pay a combined $6.5 million to resolve claims they conspired to raise the cost of canned seafood. According to plaintiffs in the case, as a result of the antitrust agreement, consumers paid more for these products than they would have in a fair market.

The defendants haven’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to settle the multidistrict litigation to avoid the costs and risks of going to trial.

The $6.5 million settlement will provide cash payments to affected consumers. Payments will vary depending on the number of products purchased by each Class Member and other factors.

The claims process for the settlement is not yet open. Currently, Class Members only have the option to register, opt out, or object to the settlement.

Class Members can register their personal information on the settlement website. This will ensure the settlement administrator has the proper information to send notices and settlement updates as the case progresses. Consumers who register with the settlement will automatically receive a claim form once the claims process opens.

Individuals who don’t wish to participate in the settlement and want to retain their legal rights to sue can opt out of the agreement. Opt out requests must be submitted by May 13, 2022.

Class Members who have issues with the settlement terms can submit an objection with the settlement administrator. Objecting to the settlement doesn’t disqualify Class Members from receiving settlement payments. Objections are due by May 13, 2022. 

Objections and exclusion requests may be reviewed by the court at the final approval hearing, scheduled for Aug. 12, 2022.

Class Members who take no action will not receive settlement benefits but will still be bound by the settlement terms. This will forfeit their right to take legal action over this issue in the future.

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