Costco made headlines between late June and early July for several lawsuits and product recalls. The retailer was sued by plaintiffs who allege that Costco’s Kirkland Signature-branded baby wipes contain high levels of dangerous PFAS chemicals. It also recalled more than half a million portable chargers. Then, news of a settlement in a class-action lawsuit involving flushable wipes also started circulating.
VERIFY readers wondered if the settlement was real and if it was connected to any other lawsuits or recalls. Searches for a “Costco wipes recall” and “Costco wipes lawsuit” have been popular over the past week.
THE QUESTION
Is the Costco flushable wipes settlement real?
THE SOURCES
THE ANSWER
Yes, the Costco flushable wipes settlement is real. However, it only applies to New York and is unrelated to the other lawsuits and recalls.
WHAT WE FOUND
There is a settlement for people who purchased Kirkland Signature-branded flushable wipes from Costco. But this settlement is only for people who purchased the wipes in New York between 2011 and 2017.
The class-action lawsuit alleged that Costco inappropriately labeled and marketed Kirkland Signature Moist Flushable Wipes as “flushable” and safe for sewer or septic systems. The plaintiff alleged the wipes damaged or clogged plumbing pipes, septic systems and sewage lines and pumps. Costco denies these allegations and maintains that the wipes perform as advertised.
As a result of the settlement, people who purchased the wipes in the state of New York between July 1, 2011, and May 31, 2017, are eligible for compensation.
People with valid claims may receive $1.30 per package of wipes they purchased at the time. The minimum compensation is $7.50 per household and the maximum compensation is $55.90. There can only be one claim per household.
The $7.50 minimum will be awarded to people with valid claims regardless of the number of packages they purchased. Even if a person only purchased one package, they’ll still receive $7.50.
According to the settlement website, claims must be submitted by Aug. 9, 2024.
This settlement is unrelated to a recent lawsuit regarding Kirkland baby wipes. That lawsuit, which has just been filed and is not settled, alleges Costco’s Kirkland Signature fragrance-free baby wipes contain high amounts of PFAS despite being marketed as safe for children and made from naturally derived ingredients, Top Class Actions and court documents say.
Recent Costco recalls are unrelated to the flushable wipes settlement and the baby wipes lawsuit. Those recalls are for portable chargers that can overheat and cause a fire risk, Tillamook cheese slices that were potentially contaminated with plastic pieces and cookie dough for salmonella risks.
Costco’s recalls page does not currently list any active recalls for flushable wipes or baby wipes.
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