Kirk’s Natural got caught with its hand in the cookie jar, and now it’s paying the price! They’ve agreed to fork over $650,000 to settle a class action lawsuit that accused them of deceiving customers into buying South of France products that were actually made in Kentucky, not France. The affected products include everything from bar soaps to body creams, and if you purchased them between September 3, 2015, and August 12, 2022, you could be eligible for up to $2 per product in compensation. Just don’t forget to submit your claim form by May 1, 2023, or you’ll be out of luck!
What is this lawsuit about?
In a nutshell, this lawsuit is all about the alleged deception surrounding South of France products. The plaintiffs claim that the product names, French translations, and even images of the southern French coastline on the labels create a false impression that the products are actually from France, when in reality they’re made right here in the USA.
As you might expect, the defendant is denying all of these claims and insisting that they did nothing wrong. Despite the denial, the fact remains that customers who purchased these products between a certain timeframe could be eligible for compensation, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re one of them!
Why is this a class action?
The reason this lawsuit is considered a class action is because it’s not just one person bringing the case – instead, there are multiple individuals acting as representatives for a larger group of people who have similar claims.
These people make up the “class” of individuals who are seeking justice in this case, with the exception of those who choose to opt out. It’s worth noting that the case is being heard by Judge Brian M. Cogan of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, who will be overseeing the proceedings and ultimately deciding the outcome.
How do I know if I am included in the settlement?
If you’re wondering whether you’re part of the settlement class, here’s what you need to know: the class includes anyone who purchased one or more of the products for personal or household use (not for resale) between September 3, 2015, and August 12, 2022, in the United States.
However, there are some exclusions to this class, such as those who purchased the products for resale, directors, officers, and employees of the defendant and its parent/subsidiary companies, governmental entities, the court and its staff, and anyone who properly excludes themselves from the settlement class.
So, if you fit the criteria and believe you may be eligible for compensation, be sure to follow the procedures approved by the court to include yourself in the settlement class.
How much can I get from the settlement?
By submitting a valid claim form before the May 1, 2023 deadline, you may be entitled to receive a payment from the settlement. Specifically, you could receive up to $2.00 per product for up to 10 products without proof of purchase, or up to 40 products with proof of purchase.
However, the exact amount of compensation will not be determined until after the claims period has ended and all claims have been calculated.
It’s also worth noting that if the total amount of eligible claims exceeds the $650,000 settlement amount, payments may be reduced on a pro rata basis. So, if you think you’re eligible, be sure to submit your claim form and keep an eye out for any updates on the settlement!
How to file your claim:
Kirk’s Natural South of France Settlement
Final Thoughts:
The Kirk’s Natural South of France Settlement serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency in product labeling and advertising. Despite the defendant’s denial of wrongdoing, the settlement offers an opportunity for eligible customers to receive compensation for allegedly being misled into believing that the South of France products were made in France.
If you believe you may be eligible for compensation, be sure to follow the procedures approved by the court to file your claim before the May 1, 2023 deadline.
