I’m Orland Howell, and I’ve spent four years writing about lawsuits like this. I know big food companies can have safety problems. This article explains the Quaker Oats lawsuit in very easy words. I’ll tell you what happened, about the $6.75 million deal, which products were taken off shelves, and how you can get your money back. I want to make this super clear so you can act if you need to. This is just information, not legal advice. Talk to a lawyer for your own case.
Why Did the Quaker Oats Lawsuit Happen?
Quaker Oats makes breakfast foods like oatmeal and granola bars. People like their products. But in late 2023, there was a big issue. Quaker had to take many products off shelves because they might have had salmonella. Salmonella is a germ that can make you sick. It can cause tummy pain, fever, or worse for kids, older people, or those who get sick easily.
The problem came from a factory in Danville, Illinois, where Quaker made these foods. Tests found salmonella there as early as 2020. The same germ showed up again in 2023, so Quaker acted fast. No one got sick, but it was risky. People want safe food.
On December 15, 2023, Quaker recalled over 20 products, like granola bars and cereals. On January 11, 2024, they added more, making it over 60 items. This was a huge recall for a big company.
Some customers were mad. They started a lawsuit called Kessler v. The Quaker Oats Company in federal court, case number 7:24-cv-00526. They said Quaker sold products as safe when they weren’t. The lawsuit said Quaker didn’t warn people soon enough.
Quaker said they did nothing wrong and recalled products to keep people safe. To stop the court fight, they agreed to a deal. No one said they were at fault, but the deal helps people who bought the products.
I’ve written about cases like this before. They make companies check their factories better. This shows how one mistake can cause big changes.
What Is the $6.75 Million Deal?
The deal is worth $6.75 million. A judge said okay on March 13, 2025, but it needs final approval on August 4, 2025. If it’s approved, payments could start in late 2025 or early 2026, about 90 days after the hearing.
This money is for people in the United States, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and Saipan, who bought certain Quaker products for home use, not to sell.
The money pays for claims, lawyers, and running the deal. If lots of people claim, each person might get less to keep it fair. I’ve seen this in other deals—it makes sure everyone gets something.
Quaker also promised to make food safer. They closed the Danville factory after the FDA warned about problems. This shows the lawsuit made a real difference.
For families, this means getting money back for unsafe products. It also reminds us to watch for recalls.
Which Products Were Taken Off Shelves?
The recall included many popular Quaker items. It started small but got big. By January 2024, over 100 products were pulled from stores. These had “best before” dates from January 11, 2024, to October 31, 2024.
Not all Quaker foods were part of this. Plain oats, instant oats, grits, and rice snacks were okay. The problem was with bars, cereals, and snacks from the bad factory.
Here’s an easy list of some recalled products to check if you bought them.
Granola Bars and Chewy Bars
- Quaker Chewy Bars: Chocolate Chip, S’mores, Oatmeal Raisin, Less Sugar kinds, and Holiday versions.
- Quaker Chewy Dipps: Peanut Butter, Chocolate, and other flavors.
- Gatorade Protein Bars: Peanut Butter Chocolate.
These were snacks kids and adults loved, often in lunch boxes.
Cereals and Cereal Bars
- Cap’n Crunch: Original, Cinnamon, Chocolaty, Oops! All Berries, and Treats bars.
- Quaker Oatmeal Squares: Cinnamon, Brown Sugar.
- Quaker Simply Granola: Oats, Honey, Almonds, and other mixes.
These cereals were popular for breakfast, and many had to throw them out.
Snack Packs and Mixed Items
- Frito-Lay snack packs with Quaker items.
- Munchies and Gamesa snacks with Quaker granola.
- Rice cakes and other snack mixes.
These were sold in big boxes at stores like Walmart and Target.
For the full list, go to www.QuakerRecallUSA.com. You can also scan QR codes on product packages.
In February 2025, Quaker recalled 10,000 boxes of Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake & Waffle Mix because the label didn’t warn about milk, which can hurt people with allergies. This isn’t part of the lawsuit, but it shows why we need to be careful.
If you threw out recalled products, you can still claim money. You don’t need to prove you got sick—just that you bought them.
Who Can Get Money?
To get money, you must:
- Have bought a recalled Quaker product in the United States or its territories.
- Have bought it for home use, not to sell.
- Have bought it from when it was first sold until March 13, 2025.
oEach household gets one claim. List all the products your family bought on one form.
If you got a refund from Quaker before, like money or a coupon, you can still claim, but they’ll take off what you got to be fair.
I’ve seen people miss out because they don’t have receipts. Good news—you can claim without them.
How to Get Your Money: Easy Steps
Claiming is easy. The deadline is June 27, 2025—don’t miss it! Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Visit the Website
Go to www.foodrecallsettlement.com. This site has all the info and forms.
Step 2: Get Your Details Ready
- Write down the recalled products you bought and how many.
- If you have receipts, scan or upload them.
- Note any refunds you got from Quaker before.
You can claim up to two products without receipts.
Step 3: Fill Out the Form
- Online: Click “Submit Claim” on the website and follow the steps. If you got a notice in the mail, use your ID code.
- By Mail: Download the form from the website, fill it out, and send it to:
Kessler v. The Quaker Oats Company Claim Administrator
1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Keep copies of everything you send.
Step 4: Choose How to Get Paid
You can pick:
- Check (sent by mail).
- Zelle or Venmo (sent online).
- Prepaid MasterCard.
Choose what’s best for you.
Step 5: Wait for Approval
After the court hearing in August 2025, approved claims will be paid in 60-90 days. Check your claim status on the website.
If you have questions, call or email the settlement administrator using the contact info on the site.
I’ve followed many deals like this, and these steps help people get their money. File your claim soon.
How Much Money Can You Get?
Your payment depends on what you claim:
- With Receipts: You get back what you paid, plus 10% for taxes. For example, a $2 bar gives you $2.20.
- Without Receipts: You can claim up to two products per household at the average price, plus 10% for taxes, about $5.50 total.
If lots of people claim, payments might be smaller to share the money fairly. Any refunds you got from Quaker before will be subtracted.
From other food deals I’ve covered, this setup makes sure everyone gets a fair amount.
Why This Lawsuit Matters
This case is about more than money—it’s about safe food. Salmonella makes over a million Americans sick each year. Recalls like this keep us safe but can make us trust brands less.
Quaker learned a lesson. The FDA warned them about factory problems for years. They closed the Danville plant to fix things.
For you, this means checking for recalls often. Visit FDA.gov for updates or use apps to get alerts on your phone.
I’ve written about many cases like this. Companies sometimes rush and skip safety checks, then face big problems. This lawsuit pushes for better rules.
Other Quaker Recalls
Quaker had issues before. In 2025, they recalled pancake mix because the label didn’t warn about milk for allergies. In 2017, some oats had a chemical called glyphosate, but there was no lawsuit.
These problems make people worry, but deals like this help by making things right.
Tips to Keep Food Safe
To stay safe:
- Check “best by” dates on food.
- Look for recalls on FDA.gov or company websites.
- Wash hands and surfaces after touching raw food.
- If you get sick after eating, see a doctor and report it.
These easy steps help a lot.
Final Thoughts
The Quaker Oats lawsuit shows people can make big companies take responsibility. With $6.75 million available, if you bought recalled products, file your claim by June 27, 2025. It’s quick and worth it. I’m Orland Howell, and I’ve covered many deals like this. They help people like you. Share this if it helps, and stay safe.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal advice and does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Talk to a professional for advice about your situation. All facts come from public records as of September 25, 2025.
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Orland Howell is a seasoned content writer with four years of deep expertise in crafting compelling and informative content about lawsuit settlements. With a keen understanding of legal nuances and a talent for translating complex topics into clear, engaging narratives, Orland helps law firms, legal professionals, and clients communicate effectively. His work spans blog posts, articles, whitepapers, and website content, all designed to educate, inform, and drive results. Passionate about empowering audiences with knowledge, Orland combines precision, creativity, and industry insight to deliver content that resonates and builds trust.
