Wise Food Storage (also known as Wise Company) is a major supplier of long-term emergency food kits. In recent years, the company has faced legal challenges from consumers alleging misleading marketing practices regarding the nutritional value and longevity of their products.
Understanding the Lawsuits
A 2017 class-action lawsuit formed the core of the legal actions against Wise Food Storage. Key allegations in this lawsuit included:
- Misleading Calorie Counts: Claiming the company advertised “2,000 calories per day” meal plans when the actual caloric content was significantly lower.
- Deceptive Serving Sizes: Suggesting unrealistic serving sizes to inflate the number of meals claimed to be provided by their emergency kits.
- Exaggerated Shelf-life: Implying their foods would remain edible far longer than the actual anticipated shelf-life.
Recent Lawsuits and Settlements
Here’s a table summarizing the lawsuit and its subsequent effects. Please note that additional individual consumer complaints related to the same allegations might exist.
| Complete Date | Case | Citation | Court | Short Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 2017 | Miller et al v. Wise Company, Inc. | (Case No. 17-cv-616) | U.S. District Court, Central District of California | Class-action lawsuit alleging deceptive marketing practices |
| November 2018 | (Settlement) | (Case No. 17-cv-616) | U.S. District Court, Central District of California | Court approved a settlement requiring Wise Foods to modify marketing and provide compensation to consumers |
Settlement Outcomes
The Wise Foods settlement resulted in the following:
- Compensation for Consumers: Affected consumers could receive between $15 and $1,400 per product purchased, depending on the type of kit.
- Marketing Changes: Wise Foods agreed to stop advertising a specific number of days or meals their kits would sustain someone.
- Legal Fees: The court approved attorney fees and expenses as part of the settlement.
Consumer Reactions
Some consumers remain critical of Wise Foods, even after the settlement, arguing that the compensation may not fully address the alleged harm caused by false advertising. Others expressed satisfaction with the legal outcome.
What to Consider If You Purchased Wise Food Products
- Check Settlement Website: If you purchased Wise Food kits before the settlement, you might still be eligible for compensation. Resources from the original lawsuit might provide up-to-date information.
- Evaluate Your Needs: Regardless of the lawsuit, it’s essential to critically assess any emergency food supply based on realistic calorie needs, nutritional value, and actual shelf-life.
Disclaimer: This article provides a general overview and doesn’t substitute for legal advice.
