July 2017: A federal judge preliminarily approved a settlement agreement that would resolve the claims in this case. According to the settlement terms, each class member will be awarded a pro rata share of the $775,000 settlement fund after other fees (including notice and administration fees) are paid. In addition, the company stopped using the words “health” and “healthful” on product labels in June 2016 and has agreed not to use the words or other similar terms on the labels in the future unless changes in the law allow the use. A final fairness hearing is scheduled for December 4, 2017.

January 2016: A class-action lawsuit was filed against Costco for allegedly misleadingly marketing Kirkland Coconut Oils. The complaint alleges that Costco misleadingly markets the oil as healthy, as well as a healthy alternative to butter and other oils when, according to plaintiffs, the total fat and saturated fat content of the oil makes it unhealthy and a less healthy alternative, as well as increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the complaint alleges that Costco’s labeling of Kirkland Coconut Oil violates state and federal law. The lawsuit was transferred to federal court in February 2016. (Boswell et al v. Costco Wholesale Corporation, Case No. 16-cv-278, C. D. CA.)

For more information about the marketing of coconut oils and TINA.org’s coverage of the product, click here.


Class-Action Tracker

Kirkland Purified Water

Class Action

Kirkland Purified Water

Allegations: Falsely marketing products as purified water “with minerals added for taste” without adequately disclosing that they contain synthetic ingredients

Merchandise Sold on Costco’s Website

Class Action

Merchandise Sold on Costco’s Website

Allegations: Misleadingly representing that Costco’s website informs consumers when merchandise may be available for a lower price in stores when it routinely fails to include such information

Keto Snacks

Class Action

Keto Snacks

Allegations: Misleadingly marketing products as “keto” when they contain ingredients that are not compatible with a ketogenic diet

Kirkland Pet Foods

Class Action

Kirkland Pet Foods

Allegations: Misleadingly marketing pet foods as “grain free” and containing only certain ingredients when they contain wheat and other unlisted ingredients


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