TreeHouse Foods Frozen Waffle Class Action Settlement Ends Lawsuit

About the TreeHouse Foods Frozen Breakfast Settlement

The TreeHouse Foods frozen breakfast class action settlement resolves lawsuit claims following the company’s October 2024 voluntary recall of certain frozen breakfast products due to alleged Listeria contamination.

Consumers who purchased covered frozen waffles, pancakes, or other breakfast items between the class period may possibly participate in this settlement without needing to provide proof of purchase.

Why Did TreeHouse Foods Recall Its Frozen Waffle Products?

In 2024, laboratory testing detected Listeria monocytogenes in certain TreeHouse frozen breakfast products manufactured at its facility. This pathogenic bacterium often poses serious health risks, particularly for elderly and disabled individuals.

TreeHouse initiated a recall of its frozen breakfast products on October 18, 2024, and expanded it four days later on October 22, 2024. According to the company, the alleged contamination affected products with "best by" dates ranging from October 1, 2024, through October 11, 2025.

Multiple lawsuits were filed and subsequently consolidated into Rugg-Harrell v. TreeHouse Foods, Inc., which alleged that the company violated consumer protection laws and was negligent in its food safety protocols, having failed to warn consumers about contamination risks.

While TreeHouse denies all wrongdoing and liability, it agreed to establish a $4 million settlement fund to avoid continued litigation costs and risks.

Why Listeria Contamination in Frozen Foods Is Serious

Listeria monocytogenes presents unique dangers in frozen food products. Unlike many bacteria, studies show Listeria continues growing at refrigerator and freezer temperatures, making contaminated frozen breakfast products particularly hazardous.

Vulnerable populations face the most significant risks including:

• Pregnant women may experience miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn infections
• Adults over 65 have weakened immune responses
• Immunocompromised individuals can face severe complications

Listeria infection symptoms include:

• High fever and severe muscle aches
• Stiff neck and confusion
• Loss of balance and convulsions
• Gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy adults

The bacteria survive freezing temperatures and may persist if consumers don't thoroughly heat their products according to package instructions.

Who Qualifies for the Frozen Breakfast Products Settlement?

Settlement class members may include any U.S. citizen who purchased covered products during the class period for personal, family, or household use. 

The settlement agreement sets the following criteria for possible participation:

• Purchased any covered frozen breakfast product between October 18, 2024, and September 2, 2025.
• Made purchases within the United States.
• Purchased items for personal use, not for resale.
• Haven't opted out of the settlement by the December 16, 2025 deadline.

The settlement expressly excludes court officials and their immediate family members, as well as TreeHouse Foods employees and their affiliates.

Frozen Breakfast Products Covered in the Settlement

This recall class action settlement covers frozen breakfast items sold under more than 30 store brands and retailers. 

• Great Value products at Walmart
• Good & Gather items from Target
• Kodiak Cakes sold at national retailers, including Costco
• Whole Foods 365 brand
• Food Lion store brand
• H-E-B Higher Harvest
• Publix brand frozen breakfast products
• Simple Truth items
• Always Save (Associated Wholesale Grocers)
• Best Choice (Independent Grocers)
• Breakfast Best (Aldi)
• Clover Valley (Dollar General)
• Hannaford (Ahold Delhaize USA)
• Harris Teeter (Kroger Co.)

Product types within the recall include frozen waffles, frozen pancakes, and other breakfast items manufactured at TreeHouse's Ontario facility.

All covered products display "best by" dates between October 1, 2024, and October 11, 2025.

The complete product list, including specific UPCs, is available on the official settlement website at WaffleRecallSettlement.com.

Proposed Compensation in the Recall Settlement?

The settlement agreement proposes a two-tier possible compensation structure for eligible class members.

With Proof of Purchase

Class members who submit valid documentation may possibly receive full purchase price refunds, including all taxes paid. There's no limit on the number of products that class members can claim with receipts. Acceptable proof includes itemized receipts, loyalty card records, or other documentation that shows the purchase date, price, and product information.

Without proof of purchase

Consumers may also file a claim without receipts. The settlement provides possible compensation for the average retail price of up to two covered products per household. This option makes the settlement accessible to individuals who purchased recalled products but didn't keep their receipts.

Proposed payment details

Several factors affect the final settlement compensation:

• Previous reimbursements from TreeHouse Foods reduces the settlement amount.
• Payments undergo pro rata adjustment if total claims exceed available funds.
• Maximum payment caps at $50 per claimant if necessary.
• The settlement fund totals $4 million, covering all claims, administrative costs, and legal fees.