No Proof: Mid America Pet Food $5.5M Class Action Settlement

Individuals who purchased certain Mid America Pet Food products between Oct. 31, 2022, and Feb. 29, 2024, may qualify to submit a claim for as much as $100,000 from a class action settlement.

Mid America Pet Food agreed to pay $5.5 million to resolve a class action lawsuit alleging it marketed and sold pet food products that may have been contaminated with salmonella, which can cause serious illness or death in pets.

Eligible Mid America pet food brands includes Victor Super Premium, Wayne Feeds, Member's Mark and Eagle Mountain.

Who is eligible for a recalled pet food class action payout?

The settlement class includes:

• Individuals and entities residing in the United States who purchased one or more qualifying Mid America pet food products listed in Exhibit D of the settlement agreement.
• The purchased dog and cat food must be included in the Mid America recalls announced on Sept. 3, 2023, Oct. 30, 2023, or Nov. 9, 2023.

• Those who purchased pet food between Oct. 31, 2022, and Feb. 29, 2024.

There are two main types of claims:

• Pet injury claims are for class members whose pets became ill or died after consuming the recalled pet food.
• Consumer food purchase claims are for class members who purchased the recalled food regardless of whether it harmed their pets.

Breeders may also file claims for losses related to their breeding business provided they submit additional business documentation.

Who is excluded from the class?

Individuals or businesses that purchased the Mid America pet food products for resale do not qualify to participate in the settlement.

How much will the settlement payments be?

Class members can submit a claim for one or both of the following:

• Pet injury claims:
• Class members who provide documentation, such as veterinary records, invoices and receipts, can submit a claim to receive 100% of approved losses up to a maximum of $100,000.
• Class members who do not have documentation can submit a claim to receive up to $50 for pets that became ill but did not die or up to $100 for pets that died.
• Breeders may claim up to $100,000 for documented losses related to their breeding business subject to additional business documentation requirements.

• Consumer food purchase claims:
• Class members who provide proof of payment, such as receipts, invoices, confirmation emails or other proof of payment can submit a claim to receive 100% reimbursement of the purchase price of all qualifying pet food.

• Class members who do not provide proof may claim $20 per bag for up to two bags (a maximum $40 per claim).

All claims are subject to a pro rata reduction if the total value of valid claims exceeds the net settlement fund. Any claim submitted for reimbursement greater than $5,000 will require the approval of the settlement administrator and class counsel.

How to claim a class action rebate

Class members can file a claim online or print and mail the PDF claim form to the settlement administrator.

Settlement administrator's mailing address: Mid America Pet Food Settlement, c/o Settlement Administrator, 1650 Arch St., Suite 2210 Philadelphia, PA 19103

Class members must submit their claim online or postmark it by Feb. 5, 2026. Each household can only submit one consumer food purchase and/or pet injury claim.

Required proof and claim information

• Class members submitting documented pet injury claims must provide receipts, invoices, veterinary records or other evidence of illness or loss.
• Breeders submitting a documented pet injury claim must provide business records in addition to veterinary records and proof of costs. This includes sales records, profit and loss statements and tax records.
• Breeders submitting a documented pet injury claim must also submit a copy of their commercial license or other state or federal permit that was valid at the time the animal or animals were sick, injured or deceased.
• Class members submitting undocumented pet injury claims must provide a signed declaration describing the illness or death.
• Class members submitting documented consumer food purchase claims must include the product name, date of purchase and place of purchase (store, city, state or website), along with receipts, retailer loyalty card records or other proof of purchase.
• Class members submitting undocumented consumer food purchase claims must include the product name, retailer name, retailer location, including city and state, purchase dates, price paid per bag and number of bags purchased.

Payout options

Class members can choose from several payment methods:

• PayPal
• Venmo
• Zelle
• Virtual prepaid card
• Paper check mailed to address provided

$5.5 million pet food settlement fund

The $5,500,000 settlement fund will include:

• Settlement administration costs: To be determined
• Attorneys' fees: Up to $1,833,150
• Attorneys' expenses: Up to $35,000
• Service awards to plaintiffs who previously rejected a prior individual settlement offer from the Plaintiff: Not less than $5,000 each
• Service awards to all other plaintiffs: Up to $5,000 each
• Payment of approved documented pet injury and consumer food purchase claims: Up to $1,500,000
• Payment of all other approved claims: Remaining settlement funds

Important dates

• Exclusion deadline: Jan. 6, 2026
• Claim deadline: Feb. 5, 2026
• Final approval hearing: Feb. 6, 2026

When is the Mid America Pet Food settlement payout date?

The settlement administrator will issue payments to eligible class members with valid claims after it completes claim processing and the court grants final approval of the settlement.

Why is there a class action settlement?

This class action lawsuit alleged Mid America Pet Food marketed and sold pet food products contaminated with salmonella, which can cause serious injury or death to pets.

The company denies any wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid the expense and uncertainty of continued litigation and possibility of a trial.

Sources

1. Class notice
2. Claim form
3. Settlement website FAQ page
4. Settlement agreement