San Francisco, CA: A Pittsburgh-based supermarket chain, Giant Eagle, has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Bumble Bee, StarKist and Tri-Union Seafoods, which produces Chicken of the Sea, alleging the companies have colluded to fix prices for tinned tuna.
The lawsuit is among some 45 federal complaints claiming that the big three tuna producers, which control most of the tuna market, conspired to keep prices artificially high. Specifically, Giant Eagle claims the conspiracy began in 2000 when growth in packaged seafood began to decline and the producers "conspired to raise, fix, stabilize, or maintain prices" and as a result overcharged the supermarket chain.
The U.S. Justice Department is reportedly investigating the allegations, according to statements from Bumble Bee and Thai Union Frozen Products, which owns Tri-Union. Both companies said earlier this year that they had received Justice Department subpoenas. Attorneys suspect the case could take 5 years. Next steps include a federal litigation review panel to decide how the cases will be combined and where they will be heard, with San Diego the likely choice. The plaintiffs are comprised of both consumers and wholesale buyers.
The plaintiffs are comprised of both consumers and wholesale buyers.
Tuna Antitrust and Consumer Fraud Legal Help
If you or a loved one has suffered similar damages or injuries, please fill in our form on the right and your complaint will be sent to a lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.
Star Kist has been my go tuna for years and it pains me that they took advantage of as stated on this web site. I don't know how to join the law suit.
Posted by Natalie Poole
on
I not only got sick but noticed that there's more water than tuna in the cans so It was very disappointing that I was not only disgustingly sick but I was also ripped off for the most part.
Posted by Ch
on
I buy these brands of tuna weekly. Very tricky deal. I feel cheated and angry.
Posted by Debrorah
on
Same story here. Cans full of water, and even though I have always bought the solid white albacore, it certainly wasn't. I ended up buying tuna from the Made in USA website. It is a little more expensive but I wasnt getting what I paid for from Starkist.
Posted by alice hopkins
on
I bought the can starkist white tuna it smell bad , it made me sick.I could not eat any more of it.
Posted by Patricia Makoui
on
I've always used bumble bee tuna ,as well as StarKist,for years. I remember when I used to eat it as a child, because of Charlie the tuna. But lately the product has been watered down ,which also changes the amount of tuna left in the can..I feel cheated. More water, less tuna. I am disappointed. What has happened to the taste of the tuna also? Its like tasteless, with no flavor.
Posted by Linda Sorey
on
I bought the can starkist white tuna and it was watered down with a bad smell to it , it made me sick I could not believe how watery it was.I could not eat it I will not by any more of it. Posted by Linda Sorey on November 3 2015.
Posted by Cathy
on
I have bought over a half dozen cans of Starkist white tuna packed in water, and the can was so full of water
the tuna was mush meat worse than baby food! I was unable to use it or eat it. It was disgusting!
I have since stopped buying any canned or packaged tuna of any brand! Did they ever think the product was the reason their original sales dropped off????
Posted by Stephen Klein
on
Have to buy tuna on sale due to the high prices.
Add Your Comment on This Issue
Request Antitrust Legal Help
Please complete this form to request a review of your complaint by an attorney.
There is absolutely no cost to you to submit this form. Doing so places you under no obligations and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
