Angeion Group Announces Major Settlement in Gerber Products Class Actions

Proposed Settlement Overview

Angeion Group has officially announced a proposed settlement related to significant class action lawsuits filed against Gerber Products Company in the federal court of New York. The lawsuits, identified as Hasemann, et al. v. Gerber Products Co. and Manemeit v. Gerber Products Co., concern allegations surrounding the marketing, advertising, and labeling of the Gerber Good Start Gentle Infant Formula (GSG). Plaintiffs, representing the interests of consumers, claimed that statements made by Gerber related to the formula's ability to reduce allergies were misleading. Although Gerber denies these allegations, the settlement aims to avoid the protracted and costly litigation process.

Who is Affected?

The proposed settlement directly impacts individuals who purchased Gerber Good Start Gentle Infant Formula in Florida or New York between October 10, 2011, and April 23, 2016. Consumers who bought the product for personal use and not for resale could be eligible for compensation. However, it’s important to note that formulas obtained through government programs like WIC are excluded from this settlement.

Settlement Benefits

Eligible class members, classified as either New York or Florida Settlement Class Members, can file claims to receive payments. There are various payment options based on the nature of proof provided:

1. Florida Base Payment: Class members from Florida who submit a valid claim form could receive $3.00 per unit of GSG purchased, with a maximum claim limit of 5 units.
2. New York Base Payment: Similarly, those from New York could claim $4.00 per unit for up to 5 units.
3. Enhanced Proof of Purchase Payment: For those who present documentary proof of purchase, greater compensation is available. For Florida residents, it can amount to $3.00 per unit, and New York residents may receive $4.00 per unit, up to 20 units total.

Guidelines for Claim Submission

To be eligible for any payment, affected consumers must submit their claims via a Claim Form. This form can be obtained from the designated settlement website or through a request to the settlement administrator. When submitting a claim, individuals must demonstrate proof of residency in the relevant state and provide personal details such as the infant's name, birthdate, and the relationship to the claimant. For proof of residency, acceptable documents include driver’s licenses, utility bills, or residential leases indicating the address during the class period.

Important Dates to Note

The deadline for submitting valid claims is set for August 25, 2025. Consumers should also be aware of their options if they choose not to partake in the settlement – doing nothing will prevent them from receiving any payments and will forfeit their right to pursue further claims against Gerber. Alternatively, they can opt-out of the settlement, preserving their right to take individual legal action.

Final Approval Hearing

A court hearing to finalize the settlement approval is scheduled for September 9, 2025, where the fairness of the settlement will be discussed in detail. The court will also make decisions regarding attorney fees and any awards for the class representatives. Anyone wishing to voice objections or seek exclusion should adhere to the deadline of August 1, 2025.

Steps for Affected Consumers

For further information about the settlement and to initiate claims, individuals are encouraged to visit the official settlement website. A toll-free number is also available for those seeking assistance or additional details.

In summary, this proposed settlement represents a potential remedy for those who feel misled by the marketing practices of Gerber regarding their infant formula. It’s an important opportunity for consumers to take claim of their rights regarding misleading product marketing and to potentially receive compensation for their purchases.