NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti announced Monday that a bipartisan coalition of 30 state attorneys general finalized a $1.37 billion settlement agreement with Kroger that addressed the grocery chain's role in the opioid epidemic.
Tennessee is set to receive up to $42.9 million in the settlement. The initial payments are expected to begin in early 2025.
“Today’s settlement with Kroger represents another significant step in Tennessee's fight against the opioid epidemic,” Skrmetti said. “By holding accountable those who contributed to this epidemic, Tennessee will obtain settlement funds to address the harms inflicted by opioid abuse on families and communities across the state.”
The settlement with Kroger is one of several cases in Tennessee’s ongoing efforts to hold companies responsible for their roles in the opioid epidemic. To date, the state said it has secured more than $1 billion in settlements from various entities linked to the epidemic. Most of the money is going into the state’s Opioid Abatement Fund.
As part of the settlement, Kroger agreed to implement measures that will require the company’s pharmacies to monitor, report and share data concerning suspicious activity related to opioid prescriptions.
