Buzz
There are some common kitchen items, like cooking oils, that people often purchase without giving them much thought. While we may care more about details like the type of olive oil, whether it’s virgin or extra-virgin, or its origin, the same level of attention isn’t usually given to vegetable or canola oils.
In 2011, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Wesson Oil, accusing them of misleading advertising. Over a decade later, ConAgra Foods, which owned Wesson at the time, has agreed to a $3 million settlement. Here’s how you can check if you’re eligible and claim your part of the settlement.
What sparked the class-action lawsuit against Wesson Oil in the first place?
Here's a concise version of the story, which has seen plenty of legal developments since the lawsuit began in 2011:
For almost ten years (from 2006 to 2017, possibly longer), the labeling on certain Wesson Oil products suggested they were '100% natural.' However, the complaint lodged against ConAgra argued that genetically modified corn and soy were ingredients in many of their oils, rendering the '100% natural' claim false and misleading.
The individuals behind the lawsuit assert that they were misled into paying more for Wesson Oils due to this deceptive claim, as stated in the complaint. ConAgra, which sold Wesson Oil to Richardson International in 2019, reached a $3 million settlement in the class-action case but maintains that it is not at fault in any way, according to the settlement website.
Who qualifies to receive a portion of this settlement?
Unsure if you're eligible for a share of the settlement? Here’s how to figure it out, according to the settlement website:
To be eligible for a share of the $3 million settlement, you must have lived in one of 11 states during a specific time frame between 2006 and 2017 (listed below), and have purchased certain Wesson Oil products while residing in that state.
Eligible products include Wesson Vegetable Oil, Wesson Canola Oil, Wesson Corn Oil, and Wesson Best Blend (along with any other oils from that period labeled as '100% natural'). These purchases must have been made for personal use, not for commercial or catering purposes.
Below is the list of states and their respective eligibility periods:
California: June 28, 2007 through July 1, 2017
Colorado: January 12, 2009 through July 1, 2017
Florida: January 12, 2008 through July 1, 2017
Illinois: January 12, 2007 through July 1, 2017
Indiana: January 12, 2006 through July 1, 2017
Nebraska: January 12, 2008 through July 1, 2017
New York: January 12, 2008 through July 1, 2017
Ohio: January 12, 2010 through July 1, 2017 Oregon
Oregon: January 12, 2006 through July 1, 2017
South Dakota: January 12, 2006 through July 1, 2017
Texas: January 12, 2010 through July 1, 2017
Those who meet the eligibility criteria and submit valid claims may receive around 15 cents for each unit of Wesson Oil purchased during the eligible period in their state. However, the 15 cents per unit is based on ConAgra’s estimate that claims will be filed for 200 million bottles; if more bottles are claimed, the payout per bottle will be reduced.
How to file a claim
You are allowed to submit only one claim per household, and there are two options for submitting your claim:
Complete and submit this online claim form; OR
Download a claim form, or reach out to the settlement administrator via mail (at the address provided below) or email ([email protected]) to request a claim form. Once received, fill it out and mail it to: Wesson Oil Settlement, c/o JND Legal Administration, P.O. Box 11050, Seattle, WA 98111-9349
Claim forms sent by mail must be postmarked by May 22, 2023. Online submissions must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on the same date. For additional details, visit the settlement website.
