FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 26 (UPI) -- The manufacturer of the baby formula Enfamil says it has agreed to pay $12 million to settle a class-action lawsuit claiming false advertising.
An estimated 8 million Enfamil LIPIL buyers nationwide will be eligible to claim a share of the settlement, up to $12, either in cash or in Enfamil formula, the Broward Bulldog reported online from Florida Tuesday.
The class-action suit alleged Mead Johnson, maker of Enfamil, falsely claimed the formula contained nutrients not available in other products.
Mead Johnson denied any wrongdoing but said it decided to settle a suit filed in Broward County, along with seven others, to avoid costly court expenses.
U.S. District Judge James I. Cohn in Fort Lauderdale issued preliminary approval of the nationwide settlement in March and will hold a final approval hearing Sept. 26.
In addition to the settlement, Mead Johnson has stopped using the language in its advertising that prompted the lawsuits.
"The specific claims that were challenged in the lawsuits are not used in any materials today," company spokesman Chris Perille said.
