Channel 2 found Walmart shrimp came up short. Now the issue is cited in a class-action lawsuit

Walmart is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging some of its frozen shrimp products contain less shrimp than the weight printed on the package, an issue Channel 2 Action News investigated earlier this year.

The lawsuit even cites Channel 2 Action News’ reporting in its legal filing.

In May, Channel 2 consumer investigator Justin Gray purchased bags of Walmart’s Great Value frozen shrimp from two different locations as part of a broader investigation into whether shoppers are getting the amount of food they pay for.

Channel 2 Action News put the weights printed on grocery packages to the test using a scale.

The Walmart shrimp tested was sold in 2-pound bags.

Federal guidelines call for the net weight of frozen shrimp to be determined after the shrimp is deglazed, meaning the ice coating is removed.

After deglazing the shrimp, Channel 2 Action News found that both bags tested weighed about a quarter-pound less than the weight printed on the package.

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TikToker Jimmy Wrigg has grown a nationwide following on social media by posting videos of himself using a scale to compare the weight printed on grocery products with what consumers actually receive.

“You were the only one that listened,” Wrigg told Gray. “And when you went out and did your investigations, you found that shrimp as well.”

Wrigg said his goal was to make consumers more aware of what they are buying.

“That’s what we want. We want awareness,” he said.

Now, attorneys behind a proposed class-action lawsuit filed in Illinois are raising similar allegations against Walmart. According to the lawsuit, attorneys tested 10 bags of shrimp and found each weighed less than the amount stated on the package.

Walmart told Channel 2 Action News it is reviewing the allegations.

“We have policies in place to help ensure suppliers provide correctly labeled products. We are reviewing the complaint and will respond in court,” the company said in a statement.

After Channel 2’s original investigation, Walmart said it conducted audits on several lots and did not find any problems.

Channel 2 Action News also tested store-brand frozen shrimp purchased from Publix and Kroger as part of the May investigation. After the ice coating was removed, those bags weighed the amount listed on their packaging.

The proposed class action currently involves Walmart customers in Illinois.

Wrigg, meanwhile, has continued checking product weights. He said followers are helping pay for him to travel around the country and conduct additional tests.

“We want people to wake up, you know, and that’s what’s happening,” Wrigg said. “I mean, people are checking everywhere because of the videos.”

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