StarKist Lion $152.2 Million Tuna Price-Fixing Settlement

If you purchased canned or pouched tuna between June 1, 2011, and July 1, 2015, you may be eligible to claim compensation from a class action settlement totaling $152.2 million.

StarKist & Lion have agreed to pay $130 million to settle a class action lawsuit for allegedly participating in a conspiracy to fix the prices of packaged tuna products, violating antitrust and unfair competition laws.

Who can file a claim?

The settlement class includes individuals and entities who:

• Resided in one of the following locations: Arizona, Arkansas, California, the District of Columbia, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin.
• Purchased packaged tuna in cans or pouches smaller than forty ounces for personal consumption and not for resale.
• Made these purchases between June 1, 2011, and July 1, 2015.

How much can class members get?

Class members can expect to receive approximately $24.50 for every 200 cans purchased, which equates to about $0.12 per can. The actual amount may vary based on the number of valid claims submitted and the total volume of cans represented in those claims.

Pro Rata Calculation: If the total payment for any class member is less than $5.00, no payment will be made, and the value will remain in the Total Settlement Fund for further distribution.

For example, if you purchased 400 cans, your estimated compensation would be $49.00. However, this amount could change depending on the total claims filed and the associated costs deducted from the settlement fund.

Is proof of purchase required to submit a claim?

No proof of purchase is required to submit a claim. Claimants can attest to their class membership without providing proof of purchases.

How to claim an award

To claim an award, class members must complete a claim form by the deadline of December 31, 2024. Claims can be submitted online through the online claim form or by downloading a paper claim form and mailing it to the claims administrator:

Tuna End Purchaser Settlement

c/o JND Legal Administration

P.O. Box 91442

Seattle, WA 98111

Claim instructions

1. Visit the online claim form to file electronically, or download the PDF form.
2. Fill out the form with your contact information and details of your tuna purchases.
3. Submit the form online or mail it to the address provided above by December 31, 2024.

Payment methods

• By check
• By PayPal

$152.2 million settlement fund

The settlement fund of $152,200,000 will cover the compensation to class members, attorneys' fees, and other associated costs. Class Counsel will request an award of attorneys' fees equal to 33% of the Total Settlement, to be paid over an 18-month period.

• Attorneys' Fees: $50,226,000
• Litigation Costs: $1,618,489.24
• Service Awards: $294,000
• Remaining for Class Members: $100,061,510.76

Important dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: December 31, 2024
• Final Approval Hearing: November 22, 2024

When is the StarKist Settlement payout date?

After the final approval hearing on November 22, 2024, if the settlement is approved, the claims administrator will process the claims and distribute payments to eligible class members.

Why is there a class action settlement?

The class action lawsuit was initiated because StarKist and other defendants were accused of participating in a conspiracy to fix the prices of packaged tuna products, violating antitrust and unfair competition laws. The settlement was reached to avoid further litigation risks and costs.