A class action was filed against 29 McCormick seasonings which were found to contain citric acid and similar ingredients curated from genetically-modified corn. The company falsely advertised its products as natural to ride on the wave of popularity of natural food products. Consumers have an affinity towards natural food seasonings and try to avoid artificial ingredients. Though McCormick didn’t agree to the claim, a settlement was reached wherein they agreed to modify the labeling of the 29 products and sell the remaining stock with their original labels. They are also under an obligation to honor the claim of Class Members according to the following guidelines.
Eligibility For Making Claim: Purchasing the following McCormick products labeled as “natural” or “all-natural” within Jan. 1, 2013, and Sept. 23, 2021, makes you eligible to apply for claim action settlement:
- McCormick Perfect Pinch Mexican Seasoning
- McCormick Perfect Pinch Fiesta Citrus Seasoning
- McCormick Perfect Pinch Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning
- McCormick Perfect Pinch Southwest Seasoning
- McCormick Perfect Pinch Roasted Garlic and Bell Pepper Seasoning
- McCormick Perfect Pinch Savory All Purpose
- McCormick Gourmet Bourbon Spiced Pork — Recipe and Seasoning Mix
- McCormick Gourmet Creamy Parmesan and Sun Dried Tomato Penne — Recipe and Seasoning Mix
- McCormick Gourmet Garlic & White Wine Chicken Scaloppine — Recipe and Seasoning Mix
- McCormick Gourmet Herbes de Provence Chicken and Potatoes — Recipe and Seasoning Mix
- McCormick Gourmet Smoked Paprika Chicken Taco — Recipe and Seasoning Mix
- McCormick Gourmet Smoked Sausage & Pepper Creole Jambalaya — Recipe and Seasoning Mix
Proof Of Purchase: Claimants are not under obligation to submit a proof of purchase for making the claim. They can provide a point-of-purchase receipt secured from a third-party retailer establishing the date of purchase within the Class Period and in the United States.
Potential Claim Amount:
- On submitting proof of purchase, Class Members will be eligible to receive a compensation of $1 for each covered product purchased by them with no upper ceiling on the number of products that can be claimed.
- Class Members who fail to submit a proof of purchase are eligible to receive $1 for each covered product up to a maximum of 15 products purchased by them.
Case Summary: McCormick is engaged in the manufacture of various products like recipe mixes, spices, food colorings, and extracts. The company wrongfully labeled its products as “natural” for spiking up its price given the rising demand for natural products. This led to the filing of a 2016 class-action lawsuit by the plaintiffs. Though the company has straight cut denied all allegations, the court ruling has not yet been passed in favor of any party. Money from the $3 million McCormick all-natural products settlement fund shall be distributed amongst the Class Members after deducting attorney’s fees and related expenses.
Claim Form: https://www.mccormicksettlement.com/submit-claim.php
Deadline for Submitting Claim: 90 days following the receipt of final approval by the settlement which comes approximately to 04/11/2022.
Final Hearing Date: 01/11/2022
Settlement Pool: $3 million
Important Note: The final payment amount is subject to proportional adjustments based on the number of valid claims filed. Class Members can either object to the settlement or exclude themselves within the maximum deadline of 21st December 2021. The claims shall be submitted under penalty of perjury and so you must refrain from doing the same if you do not qualify. Fraudulent claims can cause harm to other eligible Class Members.
Case Name: Holve, et al. v. McCormick & Co. Inc., Case No. 6:16-cv-06702 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York
Claims Administrator
Holve v. McCormick Settlement
1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210
Philadelphia, PA 19103
1-855-557-0058
Class Counsel
REESE LLP
EGGNATZ PASCUCCI PA
Defense Counsel
HOGAN LOVELLS US LLP