Consumers across North America are now eligible to receive compensation from a $4 million class action settlement involving TreeHouse Foods, the company behind several popular frozen waffle brands. This settlement follows a large-scale frozen waffle recall issued over potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. A product liability lawyer explains that food contamination claims often involve complex legal standards surrounding negligence, safety testing, and consumer protection. The settlement applies to consumers who purchased select frozen waffle products between October 18, 2024, and September 2, 2025. If you purchased frozen waffles from brands such as Great Value, Kodiak Cakes, Best Choice, Good & Gather, or Clover Valley, you may qualify to submit a claim. To ensure your rights are protected and your claim is properly submitted, you can consult with the team at Ted Law Firm for guidance.
Background: How the TreeHouse Waffle Recall Began
TreeHouse Foods, a major food and beverage manufacturer supplying private-label brands to retailers across the U.S. and Canada, initiated a voluntary frozen waffle recall in October 2024. The recall was triggered after internal testing revealed the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
While the company claimed no confirmed illnesses at the time of the recall, consumers filed lawsuits alleging that TreeHouse failed to warn customers promptly about the risk of contamination. Many consumers also claimed financial losses after disposing of recalled products.
To resolve these allegations, TreeHouse Foods agreed to a $4 million class action settlement, without admitting any wrongdoing.
Brands Covered Under the Settlement
Consumers who purchased frozen waffles under the following brands during the eligibility period may qualify for a settlement payment:
- Always Save (Associated Wholesale Grocers)
- Best Choice (Independent Grocers)
- Bettergoods (Walmart)
- Breakfast Best (Aldi)
- Clover Valley (Dollar General)
- Compliments (Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland – Canada)
- Essentials (Smart & Final)
- Food Lion (Ahold Delhaize USA)
- Foodhold (Giant, Stop & Shop, The Giant Company)
- Giant Eagle / Market District
- Good & Gather (Target)
- Great Value (Walmart)
- Hannaford (Ahold Delhaize USA)
- Harris Teeter (Kroger)
- H-E-B Higher Harvest (H-E-B)
- Kodiak Cakes (National retail distribution)
- No Name (Loblaw Companies – Canada)
- Selection (Metro Inc. – Canada)
- Western Family (Federated Co-operatives – U.S. & Canada)
A full list of covered items is available on the official settlement administrator’s website, where consumers can also find the claim form and submission instructions.
The Legal Case: Rugg-Harrell v. TreeHouse Foods Inc.
The lawsuit, titled Rugg-Harrell v. TreeHouse Foods Inc., Case No. 1:24-cv-10992, is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Plaintiffs argue that TreeHouse Foods acted negligently by selling potentially contaminated waffles and failing to issue timely warnings to consumers.
The complaint alleges that TreeHouse breached consumer protection laws and failed in its duty of care, exposing customers to health risks and economic losses. TreeHouse denies any liability but chose to settle to avoid prolonged litigation and mounting legal expenses.
Settlement Details and Compensation Terms
Under the settlement agreement, TreeHouse Foods will pay a total of $4 million into a settlement fund, which will be distributed among eligible consumers who purchased the recalled waffles.
Eligible consumers may receive compensation as follows:
- With proof of purchase: Full refund for each qualifying product purchased.
- Without proof of purchase: Payment equal to the average retail price for up to two covered products per household.
- If already reimbursed: Payments will be reduced by the amount previously received from TreeHouse Foods.
This structure ensures fair compensation for both verified and unverified claims while discouraging fraudulent submissions.
Proof of Purchase Requirements
Acceptable forms of proof include:
- Receipts showing the purchase of a covered product.
- Order confirmations or store records indicating the date, price, and location of the purchase.
- Bank or credit card statements listing the relevant purchase, if applicable.
Claimants are required to certify that all submitted information is true under penalty of perjury. False claims may affect eligibility for future settlements.
Key Deadlines and Hearing Dates
Participants must act before the following important deadlines:
- Claim Form Deadline: December 16, 2025
- Exclusion or Objection Deadline: December 16, 2025
- Final Approval Hearing: December 12, 2025
These dates are set by the court to ensure the timely processing of valid claims and the final approval of the settlement agreement.
Why Listeria Contamination Is a Serious Risk
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a severe infection with potentially dangerous complications. Symptoms typically include fever, nausea, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal distress.
In pregnant women, listeria exposure can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, or infection of the newborn. Because frozen foods can retain bacteria even when stored at low temperatures, proper manufacturing and testing are crucial to prevent contamination.
The recall highlighted the need for stronger quality control and consumer transparency in the food manufacturing industry.
How to File a Claim
Eligible consumers must complete and submit a valid claim form by December 16, 2025, either online or by mail through the settlement administrator’s website.
Here’s how to file:
- Visit the official TreeHouse frozen waffle settlement website.
- Review the eligibility requirements and FAQs.
- Complete the claim form, including all required details.
- Attach proof of purchase, if available.
- Submit your claim before the deadline.
If you are unsure about your eligibility or documentation, legal professionals can assist in reviewing your claim before submission.
What Happens After Filing
Once the claim submission period closes, the court will hold the final approval hearing on December 12, 2025. If approved, payments will be distributed after all appeals and administrative processing are complete.
Class members who objected or opted out before the deadline will not receive compensation but retain the right to pursue individual claims.
Why Settlements Like This Matter
Class action settlements play a vital role in holding corporations accountable for negligence and ensuring consumers are fairly compensated for harm or losses.
In this case, the TreeHouse waffle recall settlement represents an opportunity for affected consumers to recover funds and encourage better food safety practices across the industry. It also sends a clear message that large manufacturers must take proactive steps to protect public health and maintain transparency during recalls.
About Ted Law Firm
At Ted Law Firm, continues to monitor major consumer class actions and product liability settlements, including those involving food recalls, defective products, and unsafe consumer goods. We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg.Through informed legal support and dedication to public safety, Ted Law helps ensure that consumers’ voices are heard and that companies are held responsible for the products they put on the market.Contact us today for a free consultation.
