If you have purchased certain flavors of Ocean Spray brand beverages, you could be entitled to receive a cash settlement.
In November 2017, a plaintiff filed a class-action lawsuit against Ocean Spray claiming that the company wrongfully labeled its products. Despite being labeled as containing “no high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, or flavors,” some of the drinks allegedly contained malic acid, which is a synthetic chemical that may be used for flavoring.
Although Ocean Spray denies the allegations and there has not been a ruling, the parties have reached a proposed settlement. If you qualify, you can submit a claim to receive a portion of that settlement. Settlement claims are due by July 10, 2020.
The final settlement hearing takes place on July 31, 2020. If the court does not approve it, there is no guarantee of payment.
Are You Eligible for a Settlement Check?
If you purchased any covered Ocean Spray beverages between January 1, 2011 and January 31, 2020 for personal use, you can submit a claim form to receive $1.00 per bottle purchased up to 20 bottles for a maximum settlement payment of $20.
You can find the full list of eligible products on the FAQ page of the settlement website, which is noartificialflavorslitigation.com. They include Ocean Spray Cran-Apple and Cran-Grape, 100% juices, tea drinks, diet and light drinks, juice cocktails, and sparkling beverages.
In addition to the settlement, Ocean Spray has agreed to discontinue producing the products that contain the artificial ingredient with the claim “no artificial flavors” within 12 months of the final approval effective date.
How to Submit a Claim Form
As of February 2020, the Ocean Spray artificial flavors class action settlement has been opened.
If you made qualifying purchases during the dates listed, you can file a claim on the settlement website. Although you do not need to provide receipts, you must certify under penalty of perjury that your claim is true and correct. In addition, you must list the date and address of the store for each purchase.
Alternatively, you can call a toll-free number to request a claim form or send in a claim by mail.
If you have any questions, you can call 1-855-873-3742 and receive help at no charge.
Are you eligible for this settlement?
About the Author
Tricia is a professional writer and editor who lives in North Texas with her family and one smelly dog. She is a wannabe problem solver, junk food maven professional coffee practitioner, web guru and general communicator. More.
