Top Class Actions  |  June 10, 2020

Category: Closed Class Actions

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This settlement is closed!

Please see what other class action settlements you might qualify to claim cash from in our Open Settlements directory!

UPDATE: The Near East Rice Pilaf, Couscous, Quinoa Class Action Settlement was granted final approval on November 5, 2020. Let Top Class Actions know when you receive a check in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.


Golden Grain Company has agreed to settle class action claims that the company packaged its Near East couscous, rice pilaf and quinoa products with too much empty space.

According to the plaintiff, this “slack fill” misled consumers into believing there was more food in the package than was actually present. 

The total amount of the settlement was not listed in the court documents or on the settlement website. However, Class Members who purchased a range of Near East products in California between Oct. 28, 2012 and May 8, 2020 are eligible for $1.25 per box. 

The Near East slack fill settlement website explains that the following products are included in the class action settlement:

“Couscous products: Broccoli & Cheese, Mediterranean Curry, Herbed Chicken, Parmesan, Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil, Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil Wheat Couscous, Toasted Pine Nut, Wild Mushroom & Herb, Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil Pearled Couscous, and Basil & Herb Pearled Couscous.

Rice pilaf products: Original Rice Pilaf, Brown Rice Pilaf, Lentil Rice Pilaf, Chicken Rice Pilaf, Spanish Rice Pilaf, Garlic & Herb Rice Pilaf, Roasted Chicken and Garlic Rice Pilaf, Original Long Grain and Wild Rice, Garlic and Herb Long Grain and Wild Rice, Roasted Vegetable & Chicken Long Grain & Wild Rice, Sesame Ginger Rice, Toasted Almond Rice Pilaf, and Wild Mushroom & Herb Rice Pilaf.

Whole grain, quinoa and tabouleh products: Roasted Red Pepper & Basil Quinoa, Rosemary & Olive Oil Quinoa, Zesty Lemon Quinoa, Mediterranean Medley Quinoa, Roasted Pecan and Garlic, and Tabouleh Mix.”

The website stresses that Near East brand Plain Couscous is not included in the Golden Grains class action settlement.

Consumers had filed their couscous slack fill class action lawsuit against Golden Grains Company claiming that the amount of empty space in the packages of many of the company’s products violates federal law. They stated that federal law prohibits manufacturers from including nonfunctional slack fill, or empty space that does not serve a purpose, in the packages of their products. 

According to consumers, violating this law and including too much empty space in a package misleads consumers into thinking that they are getting more of a given product when they make a purchase than they really are. They say this does not allow customers to make good purchasing decisions, and financially injures them.

Allegedly, many customers would not have purchased the Near East products or would not have paid as much for them if they had known how much food was really in each package.

Class Members are eligible to receive $1.25 for each product they purchased. Those without proof of purchase may receive benefits for up to six products. The deadline to file a claim is Aug. 24, 2020.

Class Members who do not wish to receive benefits and wish to retain their right to pursue independent litigation against Golden Grains Company must opt out of the settlement by Aug. 24, 2020 by emailing or mailing the court.

Class Members also have the option to object to the settlement terms by Aug. 24, 2020, or may attend the final approval hearing on Nov. 5, 2020.

Who’s Eligible

Class Members who purchased a range of Near East products in California between Oct. 28, 2012 and May 8, 2020 are eligible for compensation. The Golden Grain company slack fill settlement website explains that the following products are included:

Couscous products: Broccoli & Cheese, Mediterranean Curry, Herbed Chicken, Parmesan, Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil, Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil Wheat Couscous, Toasted Pine Nut, Wild Mushroom & Herb, Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil Pearled Couscous, and Basil & Herb Pearled Couscous.

Rice pilaf products: Original Rice Pilaf, Brown Rice Pilaf, Lentil Rice Pilaf, Chicken Rice Pilaf, Spanish Rice Pilaf, Garlic & Herb Rice Pilaf, Roasted Chicken and Garlic Rice Pilaf, Original Long Grain and Wild Rice, Garlic and Herb Long Grain and Wild Rice, Roasted Vegetable & Chicken Long Grain & Wild Rice, Sesame Ginger Rice, Toasted Almond Rice Pilaf, and Wild Mushroom & Herb Rice Pilaf.

Whole grain, quinoa and tabouleh products: Roasted Red Pepper & Basil Quinoa, Rosemary & Olive Oil Quinoa, Zesty Lemon Quinoa, Mediterranean Medley Quinoa, Roasted Pecan and Garlic, and Tabouleh Mix”

The website stresses that Near East brand Plain Couscous is not included in the Golden Grains misleading packaging class action settlement.

Potential Award

$1.25 for each product they purchased. Those without proof of purchase may receive benefits for up to six products.

Proof of Purchase

Consumers who wish to collect benefits for more than six products must provide proof of purchase with their benefits claim, such as a receipt.

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

08/24/2020

Case Name

Brannin v. Golden Grain Company, Case No. CGC-16-555084, in the San Francisco Superior Court, California

Final Hearing

11/5/2020

Settlement Website
Claims Administrator

Heffler Claims Group
PO Box 42497
Philadelphia, PA 19101
844-491-5737

Online contact form

Class Counsel

Kathryn McCauley
SCHUBERT JONCKHEER & KOLBE LLP

Defense Counsel

Rick L. Shackelford
GREENBERG TRAURIG LLP

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49 thoughts onCalif. Near East Rice Pilaf, Couscous, Quinoa Settlement

  1. V. Egan says:

    1/11/2021 Received $7.50 in Missouri..

  2. Johnny K. says:

    Check Date: 12/31/20

    Receipt Date: 1/10/21

    State: California

    1. ANGELA FREENEY says:

      7.50 1/11/21 Tampa FLORIDA

    2. lily says:

      Thanks Johnny K for the details of the check and the city No State rcvd.

  3. PWS says:

    7.50 n TN 1/8/21

  4. Kari says:

    Received a check in IL yesterday for $7.50, thanks TCA :)

  5. Mini Flurry says:

    Informed delivery has something today, won’t know till late today. And I am in Louisiana!

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