Kroger Agrees to $1.37 Billion Settlement Over Opioid Crisis Claims

The supermarket chain will pay to resolve lawsuits from multiple states and tribes, addressing its role in the opioid epidemic.

The settlement involves Kroger paying $1.37 billion to address claims from 30 states, local governments, and Native American tribes.
California will receive $122 million, Illinois $40 million, Arizona up to $68.5 million, and South Carolina $18 million from the settlement.
Funds are earmarked for opioid abatement programs, aiming to mitigate the crisis's impact on affected communities.
Kroger has agreed to monitor and report suspicious opioid prescription activity as part of the settlement's injunctive relief requirements.
The settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing by Kroger, but it resolves nearly all opioid-related claims against the company.