Del Monte Foods Data Breach

Del Monte Foods says a February 2026 security incident exposed sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers, financial account details and health records. Notice letters did not start going out until October, more than eight months after the company found the problem.

Del Monte Foods Corporation II Inc., the Walnut Creek, California food company, reported a data breach to the California Attorney General and the Vermont Attorney General. Both reports were posted on Oct. 29, 2026. The company lists Feb. 7, 2026 as the date of the breach.

According to the company’s sample notice letter, Del Monte learned of the issue on Feb. 9, 2026. It learned on Aug. 20, 2026 that the affected files held personal information, and it finished confirming mailing addresses on Oct. 20, 2026.

Emery | Reddy is investigating the Del Monte Foods data breach on behalf of people who may be affected.

An Eight-Month Wait for Notice

Del Monte found the problem in early February. People whose information was involved are only now being told, in late October. That is more than eight months.

The company’s letter explains the timeline in three steps: it learned of the issue on Feb. 9, confirmed on Aug. 20 that the files held personal information, and finished confirming addresses on Oct. 20. During that time, the people affected had no way to know their information may have been exposed.

What Information Was Exposed?

According to the Vermont Attorney General filing, the information involved includes:

• Social Security numbers
• Government ID numbers
• Financial account codes
• Credit and debit card account information
• Health records

The sample letter posted by the California Attorney General is a template, and its list of data types is left blank. Each person’s own letter should say which of these items were involved for them.

How Many People Are Affected?

Del Monte has not disclosed a total. The California Attorney General posts breaches that affect more than 500 California residents, so at least that many Californians are involved. The total number of people affected is not yet known.

What Is Del Monte Foods Offering?

Del Monte is offering identity protection services through Kroll, according to its notice letter. Enrollment details, including any deadline, should be in each person’s letter.

Your Information Is at Risk

This breach combines the details criminals look for most. A Social Security number together with a government ID and financial account information can be used to open new accounts, file false tax returns or take over existing accounts. Health records add the risk of medical identity theft, where someone uses another person’s identity to get care or file insurance claims.

Some of these risks can show up months or years later, so people who receive a notice letter may want to keep watching their accounts long after the free monitoring ends.

Do You Have Legal Options?

Companies that collect personal information may have a legal duty to protect it and to tell people promptly when it is compromised. If you received a notice from Del Monte Foods, you may have rights under state and federal law.

Emery | Reddy is investigating the Del Monte Foods data breach. A free case review can help you see what you may qualify for.

Call 206.207.8929 or visit www.emeryreddy.com for a Free Case Review. No Fee Unless We Recover.

Your Personally Identifiable Information (PII) includes information that can be used to identify you, such as your name and other personal details. Organizations that manage healthcare data are legally required to safeguard this information. When PII is exposed in a data breach, it can potentially be used by cybercriminals to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other misuse.

Much of the information involved in this incident may also qualify as Protected Health Information (PHI). PHI includes medical or healthcare-related data protected under federal and state privacy laws. When PHI is compromised, it can be misused for medical identity theft or insurance fraud.

Residents of California may be entitled to additional protections under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which provides enhanced rights regarding the collection, use, and safeguarding of personal information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened at Del Monte Foods?

Del Monte Foods reported a data breach to the California and Vermont Attorneys General on Oct. 29, 2026. The company lists Feb. 7, 2026 as the breach date and says it learned of the issue on Feb. 9, 2026.

How many people were affected?

Del Monte has not released a total. Because the California Attorney General posts breaches affecting more than 500 California residents, at least that many Californians are involved.

What information was exposed?

According to the Vermont Attorney General filing, the breach involved:

• Social Security numbers
• Government ID numbers
• Financial account codes
• Credit and debit card account information
• Health records

Your own letter should say which items were involved for you.

Why did it take so long to get a notice?

According to its letter, Del Monte spent until Aug. 20, 2026 confirming that the files held personal information, then until Oct. 20, 2026 confirming addresses. That is more than eight months from when the company learned of the issue.

What is Del Monte offering?

Del Monte is offering identity protection through Kroll. Check your letter for how to enroll and any deadline.

What should I do now?

A few steps can help protect you:

• Enroll in the Kroll identity protection offered in your letter.
• Check your free credit reports at annualcreditreport.com.
• Consider a credit freeze with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
• Review bank, credit card and insurance statements for charges you don’t recognize.
• Be careful with calls or emails that mention this breach. Contact companies using a number you already trust.

What are the risks when health records are exposed?

Health information can be used for medical identity theft, such as getting care or filing insurance claims in your name. Watch your Explanation of Benefits statements and report any treatment you didn’t receive to your insurer.

Do I have a legal claim?

You may. Companies that collect personal information may have a duty to protect it and to notify people promptly when it is compromised. If you received a Del Monte Foods notice, call Emery | Reddy at 916.995.5968 or visit emeryreddy.com for a Free Case Review to see what you may qualify for. No Fee Unless We Recover.