Open for claimsConsumer products / food labelingBigelow tea settlement for California retail purchases
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People who bought certain Bigelow teas at a California retail store labeled “Manufactured in the USA 100% American Family Owned” can submit a claim. The settlement covers retail purchases from October 17, 2017 through July 31, 2023. It resolves a labeling lawsuit that Bigelow appealed after a jury verdict. Bigelow denies the allegations.
The base payment is 50¢ per qualifying box, up to $10 per household without purchase records or $20 with records. Payments depend on the value of all valid claims. Submit online or mail a signed form postmarked by February 8, 2027.
Key facts
- Class judgment amount
- $2,548,187 including post-judgment interest
- Purchase period
- October 17, 2017 through July 31, 2023
- Base payment
- 50¢ per qualifying box
- Claim deadline
- February 8, 2027, online submission or mail postmark
- Court case
- Banks v. R.C. Bigelow, Inc., No. 2:20-cv-06208-SVW (RAOx), Central District of California
Official settlement administrator: JND Legal Administration
Evidence for key facts
These excerpts record what official sources said when checked. Open a fact to see its source and supporting passage. Follow the source for the latest information.
Claim statusChecked
Claim Forms must be submitted by February 8, 2027.
Official Tea Class Action websiteHomepage, File a Claim Form option
Who qualifiesChecked
at a retail store in the state of California, at any time from October 17, 2017 to July 31, 2023.
Signed preliminary approval orderDocument 311, paragraph 7, PDF pages 3–4
Who qualifiesChecked
Excluded from the Settlement Class are: (a) Bigelow and Released Parties
Settlement agreementParagraphs 67 and 73, PDF pages 14–15
Proof requirementsChecked
you must have Proof of Purchase for each purchase claimed.
Paper claim form and instructionsOption B, page 2. Perjury affirmation and signature on page 3.
Payment and benefitsChecked
Under Option A, you can receive $0.50 per Bigelow Tea Product purchased, up to $10
Paper claim form and instructionsPage 2, options A and B
Payment and benefitsChecked
up to a maximum of $20 for Option A Claimants, and up to a maximum of $40 for Option B Claimants.
Settlement agreementParagraph 79(b), PDF page 17. Household allocation is in paragraph 78(c).
Payment and benefitsChecked
the payment method will be converted to an electronic Zelle, PayPal or Venmo payment
Settlement agreementParagraph 80(b), PDF page 18, for checks below $1.50 if sufficient payment information is available.
Claim deadlineChecked
postmarked no later than February 8, 2027
Paper claim form and instructionsPaper instructions, page 1. Online submission is confirmed in notice question 7.
Claim deadlineChecked
Claim Deadline February 8, 2027
Signed preliminary approval orderSigned Doc. 311, PDF page 9, visually reviewed schedule.
Who qualifies
- You must be an individual who purchased at least one covered 18- or 20-count box at a retail store in California during the purchase period. The box must have carried the statement “Manufactured in the USA 100% American Family Owned.”
- The nine covered caffeinated varieties are Earl Grey Black Tea, Green Tea, Constant Comment Black Tea, Green Lemon Tea, Vanilla Chai Black Tea, English Tea Time Black Tea, Spiced Chai Black Tea, French Vanilla Black Tea and Vanilla Caramel Black Tea.
- The court excludes Bigelow and the related parties defined in paragraph 67 of the agreement, distributors and retailers of covered products, the court and its staff, the mediator and his staff, counsel of record for the parties and their immediate families, and anyone who timely and properly opts out.
How to file a Bigelow tea claim
- 1
Count eligible boxes by variety
Choose Option A for purchases without records or Option B for documented purchases. In Option A, count up to 20 boxes. In Option B, count up to 40 boxes and attach a receipt, paid invoice or similar documentation for every purchase claimed.
- 2
Complete and sign one of the official forms
Provide contact information and sign the affirmation that you personally purchased the listed products and that your information is true. The unique ID field applies if you received a notice by mail or email. Choose an electronic payment option on the online form if you prefer that method.
- 3
Submit by February 8, 2027
Use the official website or mail the signed paper claim to Tea Class Action, JND Legal Administration, P.O. Box 91307, Seattle, WA 98111. Mailed forms must be postmarked by the deadline. Keep a copy of your form and supporting documents.
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Frequently asked questions
Can several people at the same address claim?
The agreement treats one mailing address as a household. The administrator combines valid household claims up to the applicable base limit and pays the combined amount to the first person in that household who submitted a timely, valid claim.
Could my payment be more or less than the base amount?
Yes. If valid claims exceed the $2,548,187 class judgment amount, payments decrease proportionately. If valid claims total less, they increase according to qualifying purchases, up to $20 for Option A or $40 for Option B. These higher amounts are conditional.
How are small payments handled?
Paper filers select checks. Online filers can select a check, Zelle, PayPal or Venmo. A check below $1.50 converts to an electronic payment if the administrator has sufficient information. Otherwise those funds go to the court-approved charitable recipient. Checks must be cashed within 90 days and PayPal payments accepted within 30 days.
When will payments be made?
Payments depend on final court approval and resolution of any appeals. The court scheduled its final approval hearing for May 17, 2027 at 1:30 p.m. Pacific. January 7, 2027 is the deadline to object or request exclusion.
Sources and official records
Consult these records for the official terms and current updates. ClaimBee's summary helps explain the settlement; the administrator and court documents determine the claim requirements and benefits.
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