New York, NY — A recent class action lawsuit settlement involving Costco could affect customers who purchased the retailer’s Kirkland Signature Moist Flushable Wipes between 2011 and 2017. The lawsuit claims that the product was falsely marketed as “flushable,” which allegedly led to extensive plumbing damage, including clogs and impairment to septic systems.
Although Costco has denied any wrongdoing, the company has agreed to pay $2 million to resolve allegations of misleading advertising surrounding their product. The settlement highlights ongoing debates about the marketing and environmental impact of disposable wipes, which have been under scrutiny for their role in public sewage problems.
Customers who bought the wipes in New York during the specified dates may submit a claim to receive a portion of the settlement. Each eligible claim could receive $1.30 per pack of wipes purchased, with a cap of $55.90 per household, corresponding to purchases of up to 43 products.
The deadline for submitting a claim is August 9. Despite no requirement for proof of purchase for submitting a claim, the process is designed to compensate for potential inconvenience and expenses caused by the product. Consumers who think they were affected are encouraged to act promptly to be considered for compensation.
Further complicating the matter for Costco, reports are emerging of another lawsuit related to their baby wipes. This separate legal issue involves allegations that Kirkland Signature fragrance-free baby wipes contain dangerous levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), despite being marketed as “safe” and incorporating “naturally derived ingredients.”
These legal battles come amid broader concerns about the accuracy of product labelling and consumer safety in the retail industry. As these cases proceed, they could potentially lead to more stringent regulations and scrutiny over product transparency and environmental claims.
The issue of whether wipes can safely be labelled as “flushable” has long been contentious. Environmental and sewage management experts argue that even wipes marketed as flushable do not break down in the system as readily as toilet paper, leading to blockages, environmental damage, and increased maintenance costs to manage sewage infrastructure.
This legal outcome may prompt a reevaluation of how such products are marketed and labelled, possibly affecting industry standards and consumer trust. Moreover, the ongoing scrutiny of items claiming to be eco-friendly or safe for delicate use, such as in baby products, underscores a growing consumer demand for truth in advertising and product accountability in retail.
The resolution of this lawsuit may serve as a bellwether for similar cases, potentially leading to more comprehensive guidelines and stricter enforcement around product labelling practices, especially as they pertain to environmental claims and consumer protection.