Has justice been served? Probably not, but at least the lawyers are smiling. Consumers may be entitled to cash and other benefits if they purchased one or more Avalon Organics products in California from May 11, 2007 through May 11, 2011; and/or Jason products in California from May 11, 2007 through January 30, 2011. The proposed settlement was reached in a class action case against The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. The lawsuit claims that the packaging and advertising of certain Avalon Organics and Jason cosmetic products misled consumers to believe the products were wholly or at least mostly organic. Hain Celestial denies all the plaintiffs’ allegations. The parties agreed to a settlement to avoid the expense and risks of continuing the lawsuit.


Under terms of the agreement, consumers who submit a valid claim form can recover up to $80 in cash and coupons or $50 in cash without receipts, more with receipts.


Claim forms must be submitted by Jan. 12, 2016 in order to receive a cash payment or a cash payment and coupons. Consumers who exclude themselves by Jan. 12, 2016 will get out of the settlement and not not receive benefits, but they retain the right to sue the defendant.  The judge will hold a Final Approval Hearing on February 11, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. at the US District Court for the Northern District of California, 450 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco, CA 94102, in Courtroom C on the 15th Floor. At this hearing, the judge will consider whether the settlement is fair, reasonable and adequate, and whether to approve attorneys' fees and costs of up to $4,000,000 and plaintiffs' awards not to exceed $16,500 in total. The motion for attorneys' fees and costs will be posted on the website after it is filed.