Walmart grocery shoppers could potentially receive cash from a $45 million settlement between the retail giant and a group of consumers who alleged that the company misled them about the freshness of its baked goods. The settlement, which was announced earlier this week, is the result of a class-action lawsuit that was filed against Walmart in 2017.
The lawsuit alleged that Walmart was misleading consumers by labeling certain baked goods as “made fresh daily” when, in reality, they were made from partially baked or fully baked goods that were then reheated in stores. The plaintiffs argued that this practice led consumers to believe that the baked goods were freshly made when they were actually not.
As part of the settlement, Walmart has agreed to pay out $45 million to reimburse consumers who purchased the mislabeled baked goods. Shoppers who bought items such as donuts, bagels, muffins, and bread from Walmart between 2008 and 2017 may be eligible for a cash payment from the settlement. The exact amount that each consumer will receive will depend on the total number of claims filed.
In addition to the cash payout, Walmart has also agreed to change its labeling practices for baked goods in its stores. The company will no longer use terms like “made fresh daily” or “baked in-store” unless the products are, in fact, freshly made on the premises. Walmart will also make changes to its training and auditing procedures to ensure that its labeling practices comply with the law.
The settlement is a victory for the consumers who brought the lawsuit against Walmart, as it holds the company accountable for misleading its customers. It also serves as a reminder to other retailers that they must be transparent and truthful in their marketing and labeling practices.
For Walmart shoppers who purchased the mislabeled baked goods, the settlement offers a chance to recoup some of the money they spent. While the exact details of how to file a claim and receive a cash payment have not yet been released, affected consumers should keep an eye out for updates from the settlement administrator.
Overall, the $45 million settlement between Walmart and consumers who purchased mislabeled baked goods is a significant development in the world of retail litigation. It underscores the importance of truth in advertising and serves as a warning to other companies to be honest and transparent in their dealings with consumers.
