The Kroger Co. agreed on January 9, 2025, to pay $110 million to resolve a lawsuit filed by the state of Kentucky. The lawsuit alleged that Kroger's pharmacies contributed to the opioid epidemic by distributing hundreds of millions of doses of addictive painkillers.
Kentucky's Attorney General, Russell Coleman, stated that the state chose not to participate in the broader $1.37 billion nationwide settlement, believing it could secure a larger individual payment. The state will use the funds for opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery programs.
The lawsuit claimed that Kroger distributed approximately 444 million opioid doses in Kentucky between 2006 and 2019, representing 11% of all opioid pills sold in the state during that period. This settlement addresses specific state-level allegations and adds to Kroger's total opioid-related financial obligations.
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