Costco Agrees to $2M Settlement in Class Action Lawsuit Over Kirkland Signature Moist Flushable Wipes, Exclusively Affecting New York Customers
Costco settled a $2M class action lawsuit about Kirkland Signature Moist Flushable Wipes. The retailer was ordered to pay $2 million to customers who purchased the Moist Flushable Wipes from the store between July 1, 2011, and May 31, 2017.
However, the settlement will be effective only when the court holds a hearing to consider whether to finally approve the settlement on August 30, 2024, at 10:00 am ET.
Consumers who maintained a Costco membership and have not opted out of the settlement, or if he or she is not a Costco member but has submitted a valid claim, will be eligible for $1.30 for each product unit purchased during the Settlement Class Period (between July 1, 2011, and May 31, 2017), regardless of the price or the number of units purchased by the consumer.
Each consumer is entitled to a refund of a minimum of $7.50 and a maximum of $55.90. According to the settlement website, claims must be submitted by Aug. 9, 2024.
Costco was hit by a series of lawsuits and product recalls between late June and early July when plaintiffs alleged that Costco’s Kirkland Signature fragrance-free baby wipes contain high levels of dangerous PFAS chemicals, despite being marketed as safe for children and made from naturally derived ingredients.
The retailer also withdrew more than half a million portable chargers when it was found that they could overheat and cause a fire risk. The retailer also withdrew Tillamook cheese slices that were potentially contaminated with plastic pieces and cookie dough due to salmonella risks. However, the Costco flushable wipes settlement is unrelated to the other lawsuits and recalls.
Coming to the class-action lawsuit, it was alleged that Costco has misled the consumers by marketing its Kirkland Signature Moist Flushable Wipes as “flushable” and safe for sewer or septic systems. The lawsuit alleged that this was not correct and the wipes damaged or clogged plumbing pipes, septic systems, and sewage lines and pumps. Costco had denied the charges and said that the wipes performed as per the advertisements.
Costco’s recalls page does not currently list any active recalls for flushable wipes or baby wipes.
