A recent class action settlement addresses allegations that Alderfer Family Farm LLC and Alderfer Poultry Farm Inc. falsely advertised their eggs as coming from free-roaming hens when the birds actually lived in much more confined conditions.
And the best part of this settlement is…you don't need receipts to make a claim.
What Sparked the Alderfer Egg Settlement?
Jeffrey Spindel filed this false advertising litigation in December 2023, joining Alderfer Family Farm and Alderfer Poultry Farm as defendants in the Southern District of New York.
His lawsuit alleges that Alderfer led consumers to believe its hens enjoyed substantially more space and outdoor access than they actually received.
According to the complaint, Alderfer's so-called free-roaming hens have only 1.2 to 1.6 square feet of space indoors—far from what most consumers picture when they see "free roaming" on their egg cartons.
Spindel argued this deceptive food marketing violated New York General Business Laws Sections 349 and 350, which protect consumers from false advertising.
After arm's-length negotiations, both parties reached an agreement during a June 2024 settlement conference.
While Alderfer denies any wrongdoing and maintains their advertising wasn't deceptive, they agreed to settle for $287,500 to avoid the expense and uncertainty of continued litigation.
Alderfer Settlement Eligibility Checklist
The settlement covers a specific group of consumers who purchased particular Alderfer products during the class period. Check the settlement website and claims documents for full information on whether you qualify.
You may be eligible to participate if you:
- Purchased Alderfer non-organic eggs between December 1, 2020, and the court's final approval order date.
- Bought eggs for personal or household use (not for resale or distribution).
- Haven't already received a full refund for your egg purchases.
- Haven't opted out of the settlement.
The settlement specifically covers these 11 Alderfer non-organic egg products:
- Extra Large, Grade A Brown Eggs, Certified Humane, Natural, Cage Free (paper carton)
- Large, Grade A Brown Eggs, Certified Humane, Natural, Cage Free (paper carton)
- Large, Grade A Eggs, Natural, Cage Free (paper carton)
- Large, Grade A White Eggs, Omega, Cage Free (paper carton)
- Jumbo, Grade A Brown Eggs, Cage Free (plastic carton)
- Large, Grade A Brown Eggs, Certified Humane, Cage Free (plastic carton)
- Large, Grade A Eggs, Cage Free, 18-count (plastic carton)
- Medium, Grade A Brown Eggs, Cage Free (plastic carton)
- Large, Grade A White Eggs, Omega, Cage Free (plastic carton)
- Large, Grade A Brown Eggs, Certified Humane, Cage Free, 6-count (plastic carton)
- Large, Grown Eggs, Cage Free (paper carton)
Settlement Payout Details
The Alderfer eggs class action settlement provides a standardized payment structure that rewards class members based on their purchases.
Authorized claimants may receive:
- $2.00 per carton as the base payment.
- Possible increase to up to $3.00 per carton, depending on class participation.
- Class members can claim up to two cartons of eggs without proof of purchase.
That means participants could receive between $4 and $6 total if they purchased two cartons (even without a proof of purchase) after signing a perjury declaration and release.
Extended compensation
Consumers who kept receipts, invoices, or order confirmations can claim payment for every carton documented—there's no maximum limit for claims with proof.
Eligible claimants may expect to receive their payments approximately 40 days after the court grants final approval.
How to File Your Alderfer Egg Claim
Taking part in the settlement takes just a few minutes, and participants have two options:
- Submit an online claim at AlderferSettlement.com
- Mail a claim form to
Alderfer Egg Settlement
c/o Settlement Administrator,
P.O. Box 25226
Santa Ana, CA 92779.
Remember to attach copies of receipts, invoices, shipping documents, or order confirmations for proof of purchase claims.
The settlement administrator will only accept documentation that clearly shows you purchased Alderfer non-organic eggs during the class period.
Once approved, you'll receive payment through PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, a virtual prepaid card, or a physical check.
Important Deadlines You Can't Miss
Mark these dates on your calendar—missing them means missing out on your settlement benefits:
September 22, 2025: Claims submission deadline. All claim forms must be postmarked or submitted online by this date. The administrator will not accept late claims, and there are no exceptions.
July 3, 2025: Opt-out and objection deadline. You must act by this date if you want to exclude yourself from the settlement or object to its terms.
October 22, 2025: Final approval hearing. The court will decide whether to approve the settlement, authorize payment of attorneys' fees, and grant the service award.
Missing the claims deadline means you forfeit your right to payment but remain bound by the settlement's terms. Remember that consumers cannot submit a claim after September 22, 2025.
Alderfer's Marketing Changes Moving Forward
Alderfer Poultry Farm took swift action even before the settlement received preliminary approval.
Rebranding efforts
On April 12, 2024, the company stopped shipping products bearing "Free Roaming" language on packaging or labels, showing Alderfer's commitment to resolving the dispute.
Binding agreement
Within 14 days after the settlement's effective date, Alderfer agreed to remove other misleading language from their product websites and marketing materials.
The defendant also promises to commit to the agreement for 36 months, meaning Alderfer cannot reinstate this language on product packaging, websites, or any marketing channels during the closed period.
For shoppers, these changes will mean more transparent and accurate labeling of Alderfer products in the future.
Broader Impacts of Food Marketing Settlements
The Alderfer eggs false advertising class action represents more than just a $287,500 payout to consumers.
It sends a clear message to the food industry about accountability in marketing practices. When companies use terms like "free roaming," "free-range," or "cage-free," consumers expect those words to have real meaning backed by actual farming practices.
Alderfer has agreed to donate unclaimed settlement funds to Animal Outlook, which brought a related lawsuit against Alderfer in D.C. Superior Court.
According to the organization, Animal Outlook will use these funds to educate consumers about prevailing conditions in the egg industry, allowing the settlement's impact to extend beyond compensation and change how consumers understand egg production.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, you can still file a claim without receipts by signing a declaration under penalty of perjury stating that you purchased Alderfer non-organic eggs during the class period. However, without proof of purchase, you're limited to claiming a maximum of two cartons, resulting in a payment of $4 to $6, depending on the final per-carton amount.
If you don't file a claim by September 22, 2025, you won't receive any payment from the $287,500 settlement fund. However, the courts will still bind you to the settlement terms, and you'll release your right to sue Alderfer individually over the "free roaming" labeling claims, essentially giving up both compensation and future legal options.
The settlement covers 11 specific non-organic Alderfer egg products that the company marketed with "Free Roaming" labels, including several sizes (Medium, Large, Extra Large, Jumbo) and types (Brown, White, Omega-enriched) in both paper and plastic cartons, purchased between December 1, 2020, and the final approval date.
Yes, you can file a written objection with the court by July 3, 2025, explaining why you believe the settlement is unfair while remaining part of the class. If your objection doesn't result in changes to the settlement and you've also filed a valid claim, you'll still receive your payment based on the number of cartons you claimed.
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