Blue Buffalo, the natural pet food company has agreed to pay $32 million after a customer complained of their false advertising. This would give their customers a chance to claim refunds after Blue Buffalo settled the consumer class-action lawsuit to allegedly prevent further proceedings' expense.
The Connecticut- based pet food company claimed that their products are free of poultry byproducts such as corn, and have no artificial flavors, soy, wheat, or colors of preservatives. However, laboratory tests indicated that Blue Buffalo products indeed contain poultry byproducts, AL reports. The results led to consumer protest including mislabeling and false advertising charges against Blue Buffalo. The company dismissed the allegations and pointed out that their supplier is the one responsible for the issues.
"More than a year ago, we informed our pet parents about the misconduct of a former ingredient supplier and broker. While we still 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 a statement.
Blue Buffalo is offering a refund to consumers who bought products included in the consumer class action lawsuit settlement covering the period of May 7, 2008 to Dec. 18, 2015. Consumers can file and submit their claim at www.petfoodsettlement.com by April 14, 2016. Those who purchased products with receipts can claim up to a 10% refund, capped at $200. Meanwhile, consumers who don't have receipt can get $10 refund.
It is not the first time for Blue Buffalo to face a lawsuit over false advertising claims. Last year, its St. Louis-based rival Nestle Purina PetCare sued Blue Buffalo for the same allegations. "Blue Buffalo's announcement of a $32 million consumer class action settlement - the largest pet food class action settlement ever - comes a full seven months after Blue admitted mislabeling products and 19 months after Purina sued Blue Buffalo for false advertising and misleading pet parents. Purina is pleased Blue Buffalo is beginning to accept responsibility for its false advertising and mislabeling, Purina spokeswoman said of Blue Buffalo's settlement, according to Biz Journals.
The case between Blue Buffalo and Nestle Purina is still being heard in court. Blue Buffalo continues to remain firm with its claim that they hold no responsibility on the product ingredients as it is fault by their supplier and broker.
