Utah’s opioid lawsuit settlement against Kroger completed

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Attorney General’s office announced it has completed the settlement in an opioid lawsuit against Kroger for $1.37 billion. 

According to a press release, Utah accused Kroger of playing a role in the opioid crisis. The grocery chain operates in Utah as Smith’s Food and Drug. 

The state will receive about $45 million from the settlement. 

“It is my duty and honor as Utah’s Attorney General to defend our communities against countless threats, including the death and carnage wrought by the misuse of opioids,” said Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes. “These dollars will help liberate many caught in the cycle of addiction and prevent another generation of Utahns from ever becoming dependent on opioids in the first place.”

Why Utah filed an opioid lawsuit against Kroger

Reyes filed the opioid lawsuit in 2022. It alleged that Kroger was the largest distributor of opioids in Utah between 2006 and 2014. 

“Despite this massive volume of opioids distributed in Utah, the state alleged that Kroger implemented policies that awarded pharmacists with bonuses and other perks based on the number and speed of prescriptions filled,” the Utah attorney general’s office said in a news release. 

The opioid lawsuit is one of many multi-state cases. According to a webpage maintained by the plaintiffs’ executive committee, cases have also been filed against Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS, among others. 

Kroger’s settlement agreement was dated March 22. Despite the agreement date, it can take some time for settlements to be finalized. 

After approval, the state will share funds with counties. County officials will use the money for care and treatment programs related to the opioid epidemic. 

Related: 

• New Central Utah crisis center will be “life-changing” for those struggling with opioids
• USU Extension secures $350K grant to fight opioid overdose
• Study looks into ketamine as opioid alternative for pain management