Quaker Oats has agreed to pay $6.75 million to settle a class action lawsuit stemming from claims that it deceptively marketed various snack and breakfast items as safe, despite a serious risk of salmonella contamination. The settlement resolves allegations that the company failed to adequately inform the public about potential health hazards tied to its popular products, which were subject to nationwide recalls in late 2023 and early 2024.
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Why the Lawsuit Happened: Health Risks and Consumer Backlash
Salmonella Contamination Prompts Nationwide Recall
On December 15, 2023, Quaker Oats announced a recall of several of its products after they were linked to a facility contaminated with salmonella, a dangerous bacteria that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. The recall was expanded on January 11, 2024, as investigations revealed that more items might have been affected.
The impacted products were widely distributed across the United States and included granola bars, cereals, snack packs, and even protein bars under the Gatorade and Cap’n Crunch brands.
Consumers Take Legal Action
Soon after the recall, consumers filed a class action lawsuit against Quaker Oats. The plaintiffs alleged that the company violated consumer protection laws by marketing contaminated products as safe for consumption. Although Quaker Oats has not admitted any wrongdoing, it agreed to the multimillion-dollar settlement to avoid further litigation.
What Products Are Included in the Settlement?
The settlement covers a wide array of products, including:
Granola Bars
- Quaker Big Chewy Bars – Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, and Variety Pack
- Quaker Chewy Bars – Including Chocolate Chip, S’mores, Oatmeal Raisin, Holiday Minis, Less Sugar varieties, and more
- Quaker Chewy Dipps – Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, Variety Pack
- Quaker Chewy Mini Dipps – Birthday Blast, Summer Night S’mores
- Fruity Fun Chewy Granola Bars – Amazing Apple, Splendid Strawberry
- Yogurt Granola Bars – Strawberry and Blueberry flavors
Cereal Products
- Quaker Puffed Granola Cereal – Apple Cinnamon, Blueberry Vanilla
- Simply Granola – Oats, Honey & Almonds, Raisins & Almonds
- Quaker Protein Granola – Oats, Chocolate & Almonds
- Chewy Granola Breakfast Cereal – Chocolate & Strawberry
Oatmeal and Cereal Squares
- Quaker Oatmeal Squares – Cinnamon, Brown Sugar, Honey Nut
- Cap’n Crunch Cereals and Instant Oatmeal – Including OOPS! All Berries, Cinnamon Crunch, Sea Berry Crunch
Snacks and Variety Packs
- Snack Boxes – Frito-Lay and Quaker mixed packs, Chewy granola snack boxes, Lunch Box Mix, and others
- Cap’n Crunch Treats Cereal Bars – Crunch Berries, Peanut Butter Crunch, and more
- Gatorade Protein Bars – Peanut Butter Chocolate
A full product list is essential to determine eligibility, as dozens of varieties and snack packs are included.
Who Is Eligible to Claim a Refund?
If you purchased any of the recalled Quaker Oats products between December 2023 and January 2024, you may be eligible for a refund through the class action settlement.
How Much Can You Get from the Quaker Oats Settlement?
With Proof of Purchase:
- A full refund of the purchase price
- Plus a 10% sales tax allowance
Without Proof of Purchase:
- Average retail value of up to two products
- Plus the 10% sales tax allowance
If you already received reimbursement directly from Quaker Oats, your settlement award will be reduced accordingly.
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How to File a Claim for Your Quaker Refund
To receive a payout from the settlement:
- Submit a claim form by June 27, 2025
- Claims can be filed with or without proof of purchase, but documentation is required for refunds on more than two products
Acceptable Proof Includes:
- Receipts
- Invoices
- Store records showing product name, date of purchase, price, and quantity
Key Settlement Dates to Remember
- Claim Deadline: June 27, 2025
- Exclusion/Objection Deadline: June 27, 2025
- Final Approval Hearing: August 4, 2025
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Out on Your Refund
If you bought any of the recalled Quaker products, now is the time to take action. With millions on the line, eligible consumers can easily file a claim and recover part or all of their money spent on items that were marketed as safe but ultimately put health at risk. The process is simple, and you don’t need proof for basic compensation—just file before the deadline.