NEW YORK — If you purchased some weighted groceries or bagged fruit at Walmart in recent years, you may be eligible for a cash payment from a class-action settlement with the retailer.
The class-action lawsuit, first filed in October 2022, alleges that Walmart shoppers across the U.S. and Puerto Rico who purchased certain sold-by-weight meat and seafood as well as select citrus sold in bulk bags paid more than the lowest price advertised in stores.
Walmart has denied any wrongdoing but agreed to pay $45 million to settle the litigation. That means impacted consumers can now submit claims for cash payments.
“We will continue providing our customers everyday low prices to help them save money on the products they want and need,” a spokesperson for the Bentonville, Ark., company stated. “We still deny the allegations; however, we believe a settlement is in the best interest of both parties.”
Consumers can learn more about submitting a claim and the products that are covered on the settlement administrator’s website. Cash payments are available for anyone who purchased certain weighted meat, seafood and bagged citrus products — including select oranges, grapefruit and tangerines — at Walmart in the U.S. and Puerto Rico between Oct. 19, 2018, and Jan. 19, 2024.
Payments will range in amount depending on each claim. It’s possible to get some money even if you don’t have a purchase receipt anymore.
Consumers without a proof of purchase can receive between $10 and $25, depending on how many eligible products they attest to buying during the settlement class period. Meanwhile, those with receipts or other documentation could be entitled to get 2 percent of the total cost for each product they purchased — up to $500.
The deadline to submit a claim is June 5, with a final approval hearing set for June 12. Objections and other comments to the settlement can be made through May 22.
