Did Blue Buffalo lose a lawsuit
LEGAL NEWSLINE
ST. LOUIS (Legal Newsline) - A Missouri federal judge has approved a leading natural pet food companys settlement with thousands of its customers over allegations that the company deceived them about the ingredients in its products.
A fairness hearing was held Thursday before Chief Judge Rodney W. Sippel of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.
The $32 million settlement, reached in December by Connecticut-based Blue Buffalo and customers who purchased products between May 7, 2008 and Dec. 18, 2015, will provide customers who filed a claim but couldnt provide a receipt up to $100.
For customers who filed a claim and have receipts, they will receive up to $2,000, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. A written order with the details had not yet been filed with the court.
According to the newspaper, more than 100,000 consumers filed claims before the April 14 deadline.
A total of 13 class actions were brought against Blue Buffalo over its alleged false advertising.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuits claim, among other things, that certain Blue Buffalo products were not consistent with its True Blue Promise. The label indicates the products contains no chicken byproduct, along with no corn, wheat, soy or artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
The pet food company, which continues to deny any wrongdoing, argues it was defrauded by a supplier that provided its chicken byproduct.
The class actions, brought on behalf of consumers who argue they paid a premium for the pet food products, were consolidated by the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation in 2014 in the Eastern District of Missouri.
Blue Buffalo agreed to the settlement to eliminate the uncertainties, burden and expense of further litigation.
Under the terms of the deal, the company will pay $32 million into a settlement fund. Any attorneys fees awarded by the court and all costs of notice and claims administration will be paid from the fund.
According to the Post-Dispatch, attorneys fees and expenses will make up 25 percent of the settlement, or $8 million.
More than a year ago, we informed our Pet Parents about the misconduct of a former ingredient supplier and a broker. While we will continue to pursue our claims against them, we decided that it is in the best interest of our Pet Parents and our company to resolve the class actions now, Bill Bishop, chairman and founder of Blue Buffalo, said in December.
All of us at Blue Buffalo continue to work tirelessly to make pet food with the finest natural ingredients for our furry family members.
From Legal Newsline: Reach Jessica Karmasek by email at [email protected].
Blue Buffalo Reaches $32M Settlement Over Pet Food Ingredients
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On Thursday, Blue Buffalo announced that it had agreed to a $32 million class action settlement over allegations the pet food manufacturer deceived consumers about the contents of its pet food products.
Blue Buffalo, a leading natural pet food company, claimed that its pet food products were free of poultry byproducts. However, this claim was challenged by rival pet food maker Nestle Purina PetCare Co., and by plaintiffs in 13 separate class action lawsuits. The consumers Blue Buffalo class action lawsuits were consolidated in Missouri federal court in October 2014.
The false advertising class action lawsuits took issue with Blue Buffalos True Blue Promise label, which indicates the product contains no poultry byproduct meals; no corn, wheat or soy; and no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. According to the plaintiffs, several investigations have indicated that those ingredients are present in products with the True Blue Promise label.
According to the Blue Buffalo class action lawsuits, consumers paid a premium for the Blue Buffalo products with the True Blue Promise label because they were falsely advertised as having better quality ingredients than many other pet foods on the market.
Blue Buffalo denies any wrongdoing and insists the issue was related to the misconduct of a former ingredient supplier. However, Blue Buffalo has agreed to settle the false advertising class action lawsuit to avoid the uncertainty, burden and expense associated with further litigation.
Although Blue Buffalo says it is still pursuing claims against the ingredient supplier, the company notes that it was in the best interest of its customers to resolve the class action lawsuits.
If the proposed Blue Buffalo settlement is approved, consumers who bought the allegedly mislabeled products will be eligible for compensation that is proportional to the amount they spent on the pet food.
In a statement posted Thursday on the Purina website, Purina calls the proposed Blue Buffalo class action settlement the largest pet food class action settlement ever. Purinas separate class action lawsuit against Blue Buffalo is still ongoing.
More information about how to file a claim for the proposed Blue Buffalo class action settlement was not immediately available. Keep checkingTopClassActions.comorsign up for our free newsletterfor the latest updates. You can also mark this article as a Favorite using yourfree Top Class Actions accountto receive notifications when this article is updated.
Consumers are represented by the Simon Law Firm PC, Donovan Rose Nester PC, Carlson Lynch Ltd., and Faruqi & Faruqi LLP, among others.
The Blue Buffalo Class Action Lawsuit is In re: Blue Buffalo Company Ltd., Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation, Case No. 2562, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.
UPDATE: Instructions on how to file a claim for the Blue Buffalo Pet Food Ingredients Class Action Settlement are now available! Click here or visit www.PetFoodSettlement.com for details.
UPDATE 2: On Jan. 11, 2018, Top Class Actions viewersstarted receiving checksin the mail from the Blue Buffalo pet food ingredients class action settlement worth as much as $736.54. Congratulations to everyone who filed a claim and got PAID!
We tell you about cash you can claim EVERY WEEK! Sign up for our free newsletter.
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Blue Buffalo Pet Food Ingredients Class Action Settlement Checks Mailed
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Top Class Actions viewers are reporting they are starting to receive checks in the mail from the Blue Buffalo pet food class action settlement.
The first checks were reported on Thursday, Jan. 11. If you submitted a timely and valid claim for the Blue Buffalo class action settlement, keep an eye on your mailbox because you may soon be getting PAID!
One viewer reported on the Top Class Actions Facebook page receiving an impressive $2,173.90 check from the Blue Buffalo settlement:
Blue Buffalo Company Ltd., a natural pet food company, allegedly misled consumers by including a True Blue Promise label indicating the products contain no poultry byproduct meals; no corn, wheat or soy; and no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
According to several Blue Buffalo class action lawsuits, investigations indicated that these ingredients were present in products with the True Blue Promise label.
The plaintiffs claim they paid a premium for products with the Blue Buffalo True Blue Promise label because they believed they had higher-quality ingredients than other competing pet food products.
Thirteen separate Blue Buffalo class action lawsuits were consolidated in Missouri federal court in October 2014 as In re: Blue Buffalo Company Ltd., Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation.
Nestle Purina PetCare Co. also sued Blue Buffalo over the alleged pet food mislabeling.
Blue Buffalo reportedly blamed a former ingredient supplier for misconduct that resulted in the mislabeled products. The pet food company noted that it would pursue claims against the supplier but agreed to pay $32 million to settle the Blue Buffalo class action lawsuit and provide compensation to disgruntled customers.
The Blue Buffalo class action settlement was approved on June 16, 2016, but finalization was held up by appeals. On July 5, 2017, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found that the class action settlement was fair and allowed the deal to become final.
Class Members of the Blue Buffalo settlement included anyone who purchased Blue Buffalo products in the United States between May 7, 2008 and Dec. 18, 2015.
Under the terms of the pet food mislabeling class action settlement, Blue Buffalo offered to pay $5 for every $50 in Blue Buffalo products a Class Member purchased. Class Members with proof of purchase could claim up to $200 while Class Members without proof of purchase were limited to a payment of $10.
More than 105,000 claims have been approved and checks were reportedly mailed on Jan. 8, 2018.
The deadline to file a claim for the Blue Buffalo pet food class action settlement passed on April 14, 2016.
Congratulations to our Top Class Actions readers who submitted a valid claim and got PAID! If you missed out,sign up for our free newsletterto receive updates on new class action lawsuits and settlements. You can also check out which class action settlements are still accepting claims in ourOpen Class Action Settlementssection.
Class Members were represented by Scott A. Kamber of KamberLaw LLC.
The Blue Buffalo Pet Food Class Action Lawsuit is In re: Blue Buffalo Company Ltd., Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation, Case No. 2562, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.
We tell you about cash you can claim EVERY WEEK! Sign up for our free newsletter.
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LEGAL INFORMATION IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE
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Various Trademarks held by their respective owners
This website is not intended for viewing or usage by European Union citizens.
Blue Buffalo Lawsuit Filed Against Blue Buffalo Dog Food Company
Blue Buffalo lawsuit: In recent years, the pet food industry has been rocked by a high-profile legal battle involving the popular pet food brand Blue Buffalo. At the center of this controversy was a lawsuit filed by one of its major competitors, Purina. In this article, well delve into the background of Blue Buffalo, explore the key points of the lawsuit, and discuss the impact of the lawsuit on the company and the pet food industry as a whole.
Background of Blue Buffalo
Founding and philosophy
Blue Buffalo was founded in 2002 by the Bishop family, who wanted to create high-quality pet food after their beloved dog, Blue, was diagnosed with cancer. The companys philosophy revolves around using natural ingredients, focusing on providing the best possible nutrition for pets.
Product offerings
The company offers a wide range of pet food products, including dry and wet foods, treats, and supplements. Their products cater to various life stages, dietary requirements, and health concerns, ensuring that pet owners have plenty of options.
The Blue Buffalo Lawsuit: An Overview
Purinas allegations
In 2014, Purina filed a lawsuit against Blue Buffalo, accusing the company of false advertising and misrepresenting ingredients in its pet food products. Purina claimed that Blue Buffalo had been misleading consumers by stating that their products did not contain poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives when, in fact, they did.
Blue Buffalos response
Blue Buffalo initially denied the allegations, maintaining that their products were made with high-quality ingredients and accusing Purina of attempting to tarnish their reputation. However, as the legal battle ensued, Blue Buffalo eventually admitted to some of these ingredients in their products, blaming a third-party supplier for the mislabeling.
Key Points of the Lawsuit
Ingredient misrepresentation
One of the main points of contention in the lawsuit was Blue Buffalos alleged misrepresentation of its ingredients. Purina claimed that independent testing revealed the presence of poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, and soy in various Blue Buffalo products despite the companys marketing claims.
False advertising
In addition to ingredient misrepresentation, the lawsuit accused Blue Buffalo of false advertising. Purina argued that Blue Buffalo had built its reputation on providing pet food made from high-quality, natural ingredients, free from common allergens and artificial additives. Therefore, these ingredients in Blue Buffalos products constituted false advertising, according to Purina.
Consumer trust issues
The allegations raised in the lawsuit led to concerns among pet owners about the trustworthiness of Blue Buffalo and the quality of its products. Many consumers felt betrayed, having chosen Blue Buffalo specifically because of its commitment to natural, high-quality ingredients.
The Legal Battle
Initial lawsuit
The legal battle began in May 2014 when Purina filed a lawsuit against Blue Buffalo, alleging false advertising and ingredient misrepresentation. This began a contentious legal fight between the two pet food giants.
Counterclaims and legal maneuvers
In response to the lawsuit, Blue Buffalo filed counterclaims against Purina, accusing the company of defamation and unfair competition. Both companies engaged in a series of legal maneuvers, each attempting to gain the upper hand in the dispute.
Settlement
After years of litigation, the parties settled in 2016. Blue Buffalo agreed to pay $32 million to settle the class-action lawsuit filed by consumers who claimed the companys advertising misled them. While Blue Buffalo did not admit to wrongdoing, the settlement was seen as a significant blow to the companys reputation.
Impact on Blue Buffalo
Reputation
The lawsuit and subsequent settlement considerably impacted Blue Buffalos reputation. The companys claims of using only the best natural ingredients had been a major selling point, and the allegations of ingredient misrepresentation and false advertising tarnished its image in the eyes of many consumers.
Business operations
In addition to the reputational damage, the lawsuit had financial implications for Blue Buffalo. The $32 million settlement was a substantial expense, and the company had to invest in improving its supply chain management and quality control processes to regain consumer trust.
Consumer sentiment
Despite the negative publicity surrounding the lawsuit, Blue Buffalo has retained a loyal customer base. Many pet owners continue to trust the brand and appreciate its commitment to providing high-quality pet food. However, the lawsuit undoubtedly served as a wake-up call for the company and its customers, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in the pet food industry.
Lessons Learned
Transparency in marketing
One of the key lessons from the Blue Buffalo lawsuit is the importance of transparency in marketing. Companies must be honest and clear about their product ingredients and manufacturing processes to build and maintain consumer trust.
Consumer vigilance
For consumers, the lawsuit serves as a reminder to be vigilant when choosing pet food products. Researching the companies behind the products and scrutinizing labels and ingredient lists carefully is essential.
Industry regulation
The Blue Buffalo lawsuit also highlights the need for stronger industry regulation and oversight to ensure that pet food companies are held accountable for their marketing claims and the quality of their products.
Conclusion
The Blue Buffalo lawsuit has significantly impacted the pet food industry and has raised important questions about transparency, consumer trust, and industry regulation. While the company has taken steps to address the issues raised in the lawsuit, the legal battle serves as a cautionary tale for pet food manufacturers and consumers.
FAQs
What was the Blue Buffalo lawsuit about?
The Blue Buffalo lawsuit, filed by Purina, accused the company of false advertising and ingredient misrepresentation in its pet food products.
How did the lawsuit affect Blue Buffalos reputation?
The lawsuit tarnished Blue Buffalos reputation, as it questioned the companys commitment to using natural, high-quality ingredients in its products.
What was the outcome of the lawsuit?
Blue Buffalo agreed to pay a $32 million settlement to resolve the class-action lawsuit filed by consumers who claimed the companys advertising misled them.
How has the pet food industry changed since the lawsuit?
The lawsuit has highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the pet food industry, prompting companies to be more cautious in their advertisements.
Blue Buffalo lawsuit
In the Blue Buffalo lawsuit, consumers are seeking compensation for illnesses their pets suffered. The company recently settled a class-action lawsuit involving $32 million in damages. The company denies any wrongdoing but says supplier misconduct may have contributed to the problems. In addition, the recalls havent affected the quality of the companys products. In addition to the settlement, several other consumers have filed suit.
The Blue Buffalo Company claims its Blue Wilderness dog food is healthy and consistent with the diet of wolves.
The company has prominently displayed an image of a grey wolf on its packaging, and touts its food as Natures Evolutionary Diet. The lead plaintiff claims the companys dog food has no scientific basis and therefore has been unreasonably dangerous to dogs. The owner of the lawsuit claims that her dog developed diabetes after eating the brand.
The Blue Buffalo lawsuit states that the company conceals the high carbohydrate content of its products by failing to disclose it on product labels. The claim states that the company promotes non-carbohydrate nutrients while promoting the alleged harmful effects of high carbohydrates on pets. The lawsuit also alleges that Blue Buffalo markets its products to veterinarians and consumers while ignoring the fact that dog foods are high in carbohydrates. However, the lead plaintiffs claims are based on no scientific basis.
The lead plaintiff argues that the Blue Buffalo dog food contains harmful additives that cause cancer in dogs.
The lawsuit claims that the companys True Blue Promise is false. While the claims of the companys products are baseless, the lead plaintiffs claims are nonetheless compelling. This claim will likely result in significant compensation for the dogs of the class. The claim has no scientific basis. The lead plaintiff is confident that the companys settlement will result in a fair settlement for all affected customers.
The lead plaintiff has also filed a class-action lawsuit against the Blue Buffalo Company for misleading advertising. While the company has defended its products, the legal claim that Blue Buffalos products are falsely advertised is a common one for both companies. While the claims are unique, the underlying cause isnt. Rather, the company is accused of deceptive advertising that misleads consumers. It has not admitted any responsibility for this, but the claims have led to a settlement that amounts to US$32 million.
The case is not over yet.
The lead plaintiff maintains that Blue Buffalo violated the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act, and has caused harm to consumers. The lead plaintiffs claims are based on a lack of scientific foundation for the companys claims. If the lead plaintiffs claims are true, then the company should pay the class actions legal costs. The defendant should pay the damages to those individuals who have experienced harm due to its misrepresentation.
The lead plaintiff claims that the product is unfit for human consumption. The lead plaintiffs dog had no medical problems, and the dog died of kidney failure. In the Blue Buffalo lawsuit, the company has been sued for false advertising. The lead plaintiff says that the company has been guilty of defamation since May 2014. Ultimately, the company has settled the lawsuit for US$32 million. Its a win-win for everyone involved.
The lawsuit is also a class action suit against Blue Buffalo.
It was filed in May 2014 by Nestle Purina. The company sued Blue Buffalo for deceptive advertising in the pet food industry. The lawsuit claimed that the companys TrueBluePromise was misleading. Its marketing claims did not include the ingredients. As a result, the case has been dismissed. The plaintiff is still claiming that the company was unaware of the claims and had been a misrepresentation.
The lead plaintiff is the owner of a 4-year-old Cocker Spaniel/Poodle mix who suffered from diabetes. The lawsuit claims that the dog had been suffering from kidney disease and kidney failure since January 2021, despite being a healthy breed. The lead plaintiff claims that the companys True Blue Promise was a false advertising campaign. A wrongful claim may lead to a settlement. Whether Blue Buffalo will pay the money to its consumers is a legal matter for consumers.
