Kroger Will Pay $1.2 Billion to Settle Opioid Claims

The grocery store chain Kroger agreed to pay $1.2 billion to settle claims it improperly regulated the sale of opioids in its stores.

Details: Kroger is one of the largest retailers in the United States, operating over 2,000 locations. The settlement money will be paid over 11 years to impacted states, local governments and Native American tribes. Kroger was accused of improperly monitoring prescriptions on opioid painkillers, which are highly addictive. Over the past year, three other pharmacy chains — Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart — reached similar settlements over opioid-related claims. According to the CDC, over 564,000 people died of opioid overdoses between 1999 and 2020.

Key Quotes: A statement from Kroger read, “This is an important milestone in the Company's efforts to resolve the pending opioid litigation and support abatement efforts. Kroger has long served as a leader in combatting opioid abuse and remains committed to patient safety.” The statement adds, “This settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing or liability by Kroger and Kroger will continue to vigorously defend against any other claims and lawsuits relating to opioids that the final agreement does not resolve.” North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein said the settlement “will help save lives, and we will make sure these companies can’t repeat their mistakes.”

How the Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum mildly covered the settlement, linking it to the wider effort to combat the opioid epidemic.