In recent news, Dole, a prominent brand in the fruit industry, has settled a class action lawsuit worth $4.3 million. The lawsuit alleged that Dole’s fruit bowl products were misleadingly marketed as being “in 100% juice” or “in 100% fruit juice,” despite containing trace amounts of other ingredients. This settlement presents an opportunity for consumers to claim compensation, regardless of whether they have proof of purchase or not.
Understanding the Lawsuit
The class action lawsuit against Dole Packaged Foods LLC was filed by Shamea Broussard and Michael Schirano. The plaintiffs claimed that Dole deceptively marketed its packaged snacks as healthy, despite the products allegedly containing an unhealthy amount of sugar. The lawsuit was filed in a California federal court.
Dole’s fruit snacks, including parfaits, gels, and juice products, were marketed as healthy options. However, according to the plaintiffs, these snacks contained a significant portion of their calories from added or free sugar, ranging from 29% to 96%. The lawsuit argued that Dole’s claims were false or highly misleading, as the high sugar content contradicted their purported healthiness.
Allegations Against Dole
Broussard and Schirano accused Dole of regularly and intentionally omitting material information about the detrimental effects of consuming products with high sugar content. They contended that Dole had a duty to disclose this information due to its impact on consumer health and safety. The class action lawsuit alleged that Dole’s deceptive omissions violated state laws in New York and California and constituted unjust enrichment, intentional misrepresentation, and negligent misrepresentation.
Eligibility for Compensation
Consumers who purchased specific Dole fruit bowl products between January 12, 2017, and June 27, 2023, in the United States for personal use may be eligible for compensation. The settlement allows for a payment ranging from $9.00 to $18.00 per household, depending on the presence or absence of proof of purchase.
To qualify for the class action settlement, individuals must have purchased one or more of the following Dole fruit bowl products:
- Dole™ Cherry Mixed Fruit
- Dole™ Diced Apples
- Dole™ Diced Pears
- Dole™ Diced/Chunk Mango
- Dole™ Papaya Mango
- Dole™ Peach Mango
- Dole™ Mandarin Oranges
- Dole™ Pineapple Paradise
- Dole™ Pineapple Tidbits/Slices/Chunks/Crushed
- Dole™ Mixed Fruit
- Dole™ Red Grapefruit Sunrise
- Dole™ Melon Medley
- Dole™ Tropical Fruit
- Dole™ Diced/Sliced Peaches labeled “in 100% fruit juice”
Claiming Compensation
To receive a payment from the $4.3 million class action settlement, claimants must complete a class action Claim Form by September 25, 2023, electronically. The deadline for submitting the Claim Form is November 15, 2023, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. The Claim Form can be found on the official settlement website at FruitMarketingSettlement.com.
Claimants should provide accurate and truthful information when completing the Claim Form. It is essential to follow the instructions and provide all necessary details to ensure a smooth processing of the claim. Remember, the deadline is fast approaching, so it is crucial to act promptly to benefit from this settlement.
Compensation Details
The total settlement amount for the Dole fruit bowl class action lawsuit is over $4,300,000. Claimants who do not have proof of purchase can file for up to 60 covered products, receiving an estimated payment of $0.15 per product. If a claimant files for more than 60 products, proof of purchase will be required to qualify for a full payout.
With proof of purchase, claimants can receive compensation for up to 120 covered fruit bowl products at the same rate of $0.15 per product. It is important to note that the estimated payout amounts are subject to change based on the number of valid claims received.
Additional Information
As a 3rd party blog, FreebieMom.com aims to provide comprehensive information about this class action settlement. The details presented here offer an overview of the lawsuit and the process for claiming compensation. However, it is recommended that individuals visit the official settlement website at FruitMarketingSettlement.com for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Dole Fruit Bowl class action settlement about?
A: The Dole Fruit Bowl class action settlement revolves around allegations that Dole’s fruit bowl products were misleadingly marketed as being “in 100% juice” or “in 100% fruit juice,” despite containing trace amounts of other ingredients.
Q: Who can participate in the settlement?
A: Consumers who purchased specific Dole fruit bowl products between January 12, 2017, and June 27, 2023, in the United States for personal use may be eligible for compensation.
Q: How much money can I receive?
A: The settlement offers a payment ranging from $9.00 to $18.00 per household, depending on the presence or absence of proof of purchase.
Q: Do I need proof of purchase to file a claim?
A: This settlement is available for claimants with or without proof of purchase. However, if a claimant files for more than 60 products, proof of purchase will be required to qualify for a full payout.
Q: What is the deadline for filing a claim?
A: The deadline for submitting a claim form is September 25, 2023. The Claim Form must be completed electronically and submitted by November 15, 2023, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
Q: Where can I file a claim?
A: Claims can be filed on the official settlement website at FruitMarketingSettlement.com.
Q: How can I ensure a smooth processing of my claim?
A: To ensure a smooth processing of your claim, provide accurate and truthful information when completing the Claim Form. Follow the instructions and provide all necessary details.
Q: Is the estimated payout guaranteed?
A: The estimated payout amounts are subject to change based on the number of valid claims received.
Q: Where can I find more information about the settlement?
A: For the most up-to-date and accurate information, visit the official settlement website at FruitMarketingSettlement.com.
Conclusion
The Dole Fruit Bowl Products Class Action Settlement presents an opportunity for consumers to claim compensation for alleged misleading advertising. If you purchased specific Dole fruit bowl products within the specified timeframe, you may be eligible for compensation ranging from $9.00 to $18.00 per household. Act promptly and file your claim before the deadline to benefit from this settlement. For more detailed information and to file a claim, visit the official settlement website at FruitMarketingSettlement.com.
