Overview

• The Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs opened the probe after customer complaints about spoiled purchases at a Toms River store.
• Inspectors reported products labeled with display dates instead of packaging dates and expiration ranges that exceeded wholesalers’ recommendations.
• Officials cited a case in which a box delivered in February was opened in March yet labeled to appear freshly packaged that day.
• Under a consent agreement, Stop & Shop will implement sticker safeguards to ensure accurate product dating at all 46 New Jersey stores, with the county health department assisting the investigation.
• The company described the matter as a mislabeling issue, said it conducted its own review and took immediate action, and county officials called it an immediate public-safety concern.