Wesson Oil $3 Million Revamped Class Deal Passes First Hurdle

Long-running litigation over Wesson Oil’s “100% natural” labeling could be nearing conclusion, following a federal judge’s tentative approval of a reworked class settlement with Conagra Brands Inc. that provides consumers $3 million but no fee for the plaintiffs’ lawyers.

Robert Briseño and others sued in 2011, alleging the “100% natural” representation was misleading because the cooking oil contained genetically modified ingredients. Eleven statewide classes were certified.

Conagra agreed in 2018 to an uncapped settlement that ended up paying less than $1 million in claims. The company said it wouldn’t challenge class counsel’s request for nearly $7 million in fees and ...