Mississippi will be receiving more than $10 million from a settlement with Kroger.
Attorney General Fitch joined a bipartisan coalition of over thirty state attorneys general announcing the completion of settlement agreements with Kroger, addressing the major grocery chain’s alleged role in the ongoing opioid crisis.
The Magnolia State 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,” Fitch said.
“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.”
Kroger has also agreed to injunctive relief that requires its pharmacies to monitor, report, and share data about suspicious activity related to opioid prescriptions.
The grocery giant operates multiple locations across Mississippi under its own name and a multitude of subsidiaries, including
- 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
- Mariano’s
According to a press release, Mississippi’s Attorney General’s office has settled with more than a dozen companies related to the opioid epidemic. As a result of the litigation, more than $367 million is expected to flow into the state over the next 18 years.
The attorney general proposed a plan to the state legislature to use funds from opioid-related settlements to help Mississippi repair the damage from opioids and mitigate future damage with prevention, treatment, and education.
