Outcome: $32 Million Settlement and Injunctive Relief
In re: Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd. Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation, Case No.: 4:2014cv02091, 4:14-md-02562 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern Division
Tycko & Zavareei LLP was part of the legal team that successfully facilitated a robust settlement in favor of consumers, encompassing both recompense and injunctive relief measures against pet food manufacturer Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd. The class of consumers alleged that Blue Buffalo breached its “True Blue Promise,” which assured customers that its pet food products did not contain certain ingredients.
The settlement, standing at a substantial $32 million, signifies a victory for the consumers. The settlement class includes residents of the United States who purchased any Blue Buffalo Products from May 7, 2008, through the Preliminary Approval Date. Qualified class members who submit timely and verified claims will receive a cash reparation of a minimum of $5 up to a maximum stipend of $200, dependent on the provided proof of purchase.
The series of class actions, initiated on May 7, 2014, across various states, gave rise to a potent legal challenge to the veracity of Blue Buffalo’s product claims. These actions were consolidated by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation on October 17, 2014, melding allegations of failure to comply with a bevy of consumer protection laws, including the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, California Civil Code, and New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, among others.
Plaintiffs contended that Blue Buffalo’s marketing misrepresented the components of their pet foods, with allegations that the products indeed contained elements such as chicken or poultry by-product meal and artificial ingredients, conflicting with the company’s stated True Blue Promise.
Class counsel engaged in the mediation process with exhaustive knowledge of the case merits and unwavering commitment to the advancement of the class members’ best interests. Rebuffing any settlement offer that did not align with the class members’ best interest, a substantial settlement was negotiated that promised meaningful compensation.
Furthermore, the injunctive relief agreed upon mandates Blue Buffalo to implement rigorous measures to ascertain that future representations to the public regarding product ingredients are accurate and verifiable. The implementation of new practices to ensure compliance with product specifications by suppliers is a significant step forward to affirm consumers’ trust in the brand.
In summary, this settlement stands as a testament to the effectiveness of the legal system in safeguarding consumer rights and underscores the acumen and advocacy of Tycko & Zavareei LLP in securing a positive outcome for affected consumers. Class members benefit from the monetary compensation and the assurance of improved product transparency and integrity going forward.