Sam’s Club and Member’s Mark Settle Multi-Million Dollar Salmonella Claims

A recent class-action lawsuit against Mid America Pet Food has resulted in a settlement of $5.5 million related to allegations of salmonella contamination in various pet food products. The settlement, although not an admission of wrongdoing by the company, aims to compensate consumers who purchased the affected items, particularly those whose pets suffered illness or, in some tragic cases, death.

The lawsuit claimed that Mid America Pet Food knowingly sold contaminated products but failed to adequately inform consumers about the risks. Affected brands include Member’s Mark, which is sold exclusively at Sam’s Club. Specific products under scrutiny include the Beef & Brown Rice Recipe, Dog Food and the Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe, Dog Food, both of which have been identified as part of the contaminated batches.

Details of the Settlement

Consumers who purchased one or more of the implicated products may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. This includes not only pet owners whose animals became ill but also those whose pets unfortunately did not survive. The claims process requires valid documentation, such as purchase receipts and veterinary bills, which will determine the compensation amounts.

Compensation figures are tiered based on the documentation provided:

– Claims with full documentation can receive up to $100,000.
– Claims without proof, where the pet did not die, may receive a maximum of $50.
– If a pet died due to the contaminated food, the maximum compensation is $100.
– Claims without proof are capped at $40, limited to a maximum of two bags per claim.

Affected individuals must submit their claims through midamericapetfoodsettlement.com by February 5, 2026. Those who wish to object or opt out of the settlement must do so by January 6, 2026.

Affected Products and Brands

In addition to Member’s Mark, several other brands are included in the settlement. A detailed list of affected products highlights several offerings from Victor Super Premium and Wayne Feeds. Notably, the following products are under scrutiny:

– Member’s Mark, Beef & Brown Rice Recipe, Dog Food
– Member’s Mark, Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe, Dog Food
– Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Select Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula
– Wayne Feeds Dog Food, High Energy
– Victor Super Premium Cat Food, Hi-Pro Plus Active Cat & Kitten

The implicated 30-pound bags have an expiration date of October 31, 2024, further emphasizing the urgency for consumers to check their products and act accordingly.

As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for pet owners to remain informed and take the necessary steps to ensure their eligibility for compensation. The settlement signifies an important step in addressing the concerns surrounding pet food safety and consumer protection.