Bought Milk in 2003? You May Get $70 Settlement

Residents of 15 states and the District of Columbia may be getting some money back if they bought milk or milk products in 2003 under a settlement reached in a milk price-fixing class action lawsuit. The dairy farmers named in the antitrust action were accused of sending cows to slaughter early to create a shortage of cows that would increase prices of milk and milk products, according to information on a website set up for the class.

Under the $52 million settlement, consumers’ payments will be dependent on the amount of products they bought and the number of claims submitted but could be as high as $70 per customer, according to the website. Products that may be claimed include milk and milk products, including half-and-half, cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, yogurt or cream.

The website says the defendants haven’t admitted they’re guilty of price-fixing allegations but settled the lawsuit to avoid a trial.

Affected States

• Arizona
• California
• District of Columbia
• Kansas
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• Oregon
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Vermont
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin

To be eligible for benefits from this class action settlement, you must have purchased the milk products from a grocery store or other retailer, not directly from one of the defendants. The products must not have been purchased for resale. No proof of purchase is necessary.

Resources for Consumers

• Details of the settlement
• Click here to submit your claim.

Photo by U.S. Department of Agriculture via Flickr Commons