The renowned supermarket chain, Walmart, has announced significant news for customers who purchased a specific product during a certain timeframe. This announcement follows a lawsuit against two companies selling canned foods, which were found guilty of a violation.
In a significant development, the companies StarKist and Lion Capital have been accused of selling canned tuna at excessively high prices and fixing the prices for other brands as well. Consumers claimed they had to pay inflated prices for these tuna products due to the alleged conspiracy between the two companies.
Who Benefits from This Settlement?
This settlement benefits individuals who purchased packaged tuna products at Walmart between June 2011 and December 2016. Furthermore, those who bought these products from other stores such as Sam’s Club, Costco, and US Foods are also eligible for compensation.
About the Settlement
- Despite not admitting to any wrongdoing, the tuna companies agreed to settle the lawsuit for a substantial amount.
- The total settlement amount is US$3.6 million.
- Out of this, only US$270,000 will be paid by Lion Capital, with the majority of the sum being covered by StarKist.
While the companies have not confessed to any violations, their decision to settle with a multimillion-dollar payment raises eyebrows. This settlement is a significant move, aimed at addressing the grievances of consumers who felt the brunt of the alleged price-fixing conspiracy.
How to Claim Your Walmart Payment in the United States
If you purchased canned products from the company during the specified dates, you may be eligible to receive a payment from the multimillion-dollar settlement faced by these companies. However, you should have received a postal notification informing you about this situation.
StarKist’s Commitment to Social Responsibility
The CEO of StarKist stated in a press release that the company is “committed to being socially responsible and is pleased to resolve this claim with our largest customer on fair and reasonable terms.”
Investigation by the Department of Justice
The investigation was led by the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice and began in 2015. The companies faced a significant lawsuit due to price fixing and monopolistic practices, which hindered free competition.
