Annie Chun’s ‘No MSG Added’ Class Action Settlement

Annie Chun’s manufacturer CJ America has agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle a class action lawsuit stemming over allegations that the prepackaged food company falsely labeled certain products as “No MSG Added.”

Lead plaintiff Dennis Peterson filed the class action lawsuit after claiming that despite the “No MSG Added” label, monosodium glutamate (MSG) was either an ingredient used or was created through the cooking process in numerous Annie Chun’s products. Peterson alleges that the inclusion of MSG in food can cause consumers to experience health problems.

Annie Chun’s maker CJ America continues to deny the allegations but agreed to create the $1.5 million Settlement Fund, as well as remove the phrase “No MSG Added” from its products.

The Annie Chun’s items covered by this class action settlement include the following prepackaged food:

• Annie Chun’s Chinese Chicken Soup Bowl
• Annie Chun’s Hot & Sour Soup Bowl
• Annie Chun’s Korean Kimchi Soup Bowl
• Annie Chun’s Miso Soup Bowl
• Annie Chun’s Thai Tom Yum Soup Bowl
• Annie Chun’s Udon Soup Bowl
• Annie Chun’s Vietnamese Pho
• Annie Chun’s Garlic Scallion Noodle Bowl
• Annie Chun’s Korean Sweet Chili Noodle Bowl
• Annie Chun’s Kung Pao Noodle Bowl
• Annie Chun’s Pad Thai Noodle Bowl
• Annie Chun’s Peanut Sesame Noodle Bowl
• Annie Chun’s Teriyaki Noodle Bowl
• Annie Chun’s Soy Ginger Ramen
• Annie Chun’s Spicy Chicken Ramen
• Annie Chun’s Spring Vegetable Ramen

An initial “No MSG Added” class action settlement was reached in November 2015, but ended up being denied by a California federal judge. After the Court’s decision, the parties met to discuss another agreement which was preliminarily approved of last month.

Class Members who want to object or be excluded from the Annie Chun’s settlement must do so no later than Aug. 24, 2016.

Who’s Eligible

The Annie Chun’s “No MSG” settlement Class Members include all U.S. residents who purchased one (or more) of the products listed above between Nov. 19, 2012 and Mar. 23, 2016.

Potential Award

up to $15 (without receipts)

Annie Chun’s settlement Class Members are entitled to $1.50 for each covered product purchased during the Class Period, up to 10 claims. Those who include a valid proof of purchase can claim additional funds that will be divided with other Class Members submitting receipts until the $1.5 million Settlement Fund is depleted.

Proof of Purchase

N/A

Class Members must submit a valid and timely Claim Form to receive reimbursement for up to 10 covered Annie Chun’s products. Those seeking further compensation must include proof of purchase, such as receipts, packaging (bar codes or UPCs), or documentation from a third-party commercial source.

Claim Form

CLICK HERE TO FILE A CLAIM »

Claim Form Deadline

07/20/2016

Case Name

Dennis Petersen v. CJ America Inc., Case No. 3:14-cv-02570-DMS-JLB, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California

Final Hearing

09/30/2016

UPDATE: On September 30, 2016, the court granted the Annie Chuns settlement final approval.  Let Top Class Actions know when you receive a check in the comments section below or on our  Facebook page.
UPDATE 2: On Dec. 31, 2016, Top Class Actions viewers who submitted timely and valid claims for the Annie Chun’s class action settlement began receiving checks worth as much as $15! Congratulations to all our readers who got PAID!

Settlement Website

www.NoMSGAddedSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

MSG Settlement Claims Administrator
1801 Market Street, Suite 660
Philadelphia, PA 19103
1-855-564-7379

nomsgaddedsettlement@angeiongroup.com

Class Counsel

Marc L. Godino
GLANCY PRONGAY & MURRAY LLP

Rosemary M. Rivas
FINKELSTEIN THOMPSON, LLP

Defense Counsel

Daniel James Faria
Carlos M Lazatin
O’MELVENY & MYERS