Alderfer Family Farm and Alderfer Poultry Farm have reached a class action settlement over claims that they falsely advertised specific eggs as produced by "free-roaming" hens when they allegedly kept the birds in cages with limited space.
Eligible class members may claim payment for up to two cartons of eggs without receipts. Those with proof of purchase can submit claims for unlimited cartons, with potential payments increasing, depending on the total number of claims filed.
Alderfer Egg Class Action Lawsuit Timeline
The Allegations
Lead plaintiff Jeffrey Spindel sued the defendants on December 8, 2023, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
His complaint alleges Alderfer free-roaming hens actually have only 1.2 to 1.6 square feet of indoor space with "minimal quasi-outdoor access."
This limited space contradicts what consumers might reasonably expect from "free roaming" claims, according to Spindel. The lawsuit also contends that shoppers paid premium prices for these eggs based on the belief they came from hens with substantially more freedom and better living conditions.
Settlement Reached
Following months of discovery and negotiations, the parties participated in a settlement conference on June 26, 2024, before Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy.
The conference resulted in an agreement addressing violations of New York General Business Laws Sections 349 and 350, prohibiting deceptive business practices and false advertising.
Alderfer has committed to removing all "Free Roaming" language from their marketing materials and will provide sales data to verify the scope of affected products.
Key Settlement Terms
The total settlement fund is $287,500 to cover class member payments, attorneys' fees, administrative costs, and a service award to the class representative.
As part of the agreement, Alderfer stopped using "Free Roaming" language on their products as of April 12, 2024.
The companies have also committed to a 36-month moratorium on using this terminology across all marketing channels, including:
- Product packaging and labels
- Company websites and online platforms
- Print and digital advertising materials
- Any other marketing communications
Finally, after distributing payments to class members and covering administrative expenses, the class administrator will divert any remaining funds to support Animal Outlook's consumer education initiatives about prevailing conditions in the egg industry.
Who Qualifies for the Alderfer Egg Settlement
You may be eligible for compensation if you purchased eggs for household consumption during the class period.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify as a class member, you must have*:
- Bought Alderfer non-organic eggs between December 1, 2020, and the final settlement approval order.
- Purchased eggs for personal or household use (not for resale or commercial purposes).
- Made purchases within the United States.
- Not previously received a full refund for your egg purchases.
*Consult the claims website for a full listing of eligibility criteria.
Excluded from Settlement
Some individuals cannot participate in this settlement:
- Anyone who formally opted out of the class action settlement.
- Commercial purchasers, distributors, or resellers.
- Individuals who have already received full refunds for their Alderfer egg purchases.
- Employees of Alderfer Family Farm or Alderfer Poultry Farm.
What the Settlement Says About Compensation
Payment Structure
This false advertising class action settlement provides standardized payments based on the number of egg cartons purchased:
- Base payment: $2.00 per carton of eligible products.
- Potential increase: Payments may rise to $3.00 per carton if fewer claims are submitted.
- Pro rata distribution: Final amounts depend on the number of valid claims filed.
Claim Limits
Your documentation determines how many cartons you can claim:
- Without proof of purchase: Maximum of 2 cartons ($4-$6 total payment).
- With proof of purchase: No limit on the number of cartons claimed.
- Declaration requirement: Claims without receipts require signing a statement under penalty of perjury.
How to File Your Alderfer Settlement Claim
Claim Submission Options
Participants have two convenient ways to submit their claim:
- Online submission: Visit the settlement website at alderfersettlement.com to complete and submit your claim form electronically.
- Mail submission: Download the claim form, print it, complete all required fields, and mail it to the settlement administrator.
Required Information for All Claims
Every claim form must include:
- Full name, current mailing address, and telephone number.
- The retailer where you purchased Alderfer eggs.
- City and state where purchases occurred.
- Approximate dates when you bought the products.
- Quantity and specific types of products purchased.
Proof of Purchase Guidelines
Understanding what constitutes valid proof helps ensure smooth claim processing:
- Acceptable documentation: Store receipts, invoices, shipping confirmations, and credit card statements that show retailer, date, and order confirmations from online purchases.
- Without proof: You'll sign a sworn declaration affirming your purchases, limiting your claim to two cartons maximum.
- With proof: Submit clear copies of documentation supporting each carton claimed, with no maximum limit.
Products Covered by the Alderfer Eggs Class Action
Eligible Alderfer Non-Organic Eggs
All non-organic varieties marketed with "Free Roaming" language qualify for compensation, including these specific products:
- Extra Large, Grade A Brown Eggs, Cage Free (paper carton)
- Large, Grade A Brown Eggs, Certified Humane, Cage Free (available in both paper and plastic cartons)
- Large, Grade A Eggs, Natural, Cage Free (paper carton)
- Large, Grade A White Eggs, Omega, Cage Free (paper and plastic cartons)
- Jumbo, Grade A Brown Eggs, 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 Brown Eggs, Cage Free, 6-count (plastic carton)
- Large, Grown Eggs, Cage Free (paper carton)
Remember, only non-organic versions of these products bearing "Free Roaming" marketing language qualify for settlement benefits.
Important Deadlines and Dates
Action Required by These Dates
Mark your calendar with these critical deadlines:
- Claims Deadline: September 22, 2025 (must be postmarked by this date).
- Opt-Out Deadline: July 3, 2025 (if you wish to exclude yourself).
- Objection Deadline: July 3, 2025 (to formally object to settlement terms).
- Final Approval Hearing: October 22, 2025 (when the court reviews the settlement).
Payment Methods
You can choose from several payment methods:
- Traditional paper check mailed to your address.
- PayPal electronic transfer.
- Venmo payment.
- Zelle direct deposit.
- Virtual prepaid card delivered electronically.
Contact Information and Resources
Settlement Administrator
For questions about your claim status or the settlement process, contact:
Alderfer Egg Settlement
c/o Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 25226
Santa Ana, CA 92779
Phone: 833-296-0891
Email: [email protected]
The settlement administrator handles all claim processing, payment distribution, and general inquiries about the settlement.
He or she can also provide claim forms, check claim status, and answer questions about eligibility requirements.
Ready to File?
Don't let the September 22, 2025 deadline pass without submitting your claim for this open class action settlement. Please visit the claims website for full information on submitting a claim, and the legal implications of any action you take regarding the settlement. This website is not intended to provide you with legal advice.
File a claim or check out the lawsuit at alderfersettlement.com/
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