Kroger settles opioid lawsuit, Mississippi to receive $10.6m

JACKSON, Miss. – Supermarket chain Kroger has finalized a nearly $1.4 billion agreement to settle the majority of the claims made by state attorneys general, including Mississippi’s Lynn Fitch, addressing the grocery chain’s role in the opioid crisis. Mississippi will receive up to $10,625,387 out of a $1.37 billion settlement, with payments anticipated to begin early next year.

“In Mississippi, the opioid epidemic has killed so many of our loved ones. This settlement with Kroger is an important step in holding everyone involved in the opioid crisis accountable for their role in the harm done to our families and communities,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “I am proud to be a part of this coalition driving toward solutions to the opioid crisis. Together, we can address the harm already done and prevent more senseless deaths.

In addition, Kroger has agreed to injunctive relief that requires its pharmacies to monitor, report, and share data about suspicious activity related to opioid prescriptions.

Kroger operates grocery stores across Mississippi under its own name and its subsidiaries, which include Harris Teeter, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Smith’s Food and Drug, Ralphs, King Soopers, Fry’s, QFC, City Market, Jay C, Pay Less, Baker’s, Gerbes, Pick ‘n Save, Metro Market, and Mariano’s.

Over the past several years, the Attorney General’s Office has entered into settlements with more than a dozen companies that played a part in creating and amplifying the opioid crisis. These include manufacturers, distributors, pharmacy chains, and even companies that created the marketing plans that fed the epidemic. In total, these lawsuits will bring over $367 million over eighteen years to Mississippi. Attorney General Fitch has proposed a plan to the Legislature for using these funds to meet abatement requirements in the settlement agreements, help Mississippi repair the damage from opioids, and mitigate future damage with prevention, treatment, and education.

You can read the settlement between Kroger and the state of Mississippi here.