Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced on April 14 a national settlement in principle with Albertsons that would require the grocery chain to pay more than $773 million to address its role in the opioid epidemic. The final settlement will also include business practice changes, though these terms are still under negotiation.
The proposed agreement comes as part of broader efforts to hold companies accountable for their roles in the opioid crisis, which has led to more than $50 billion in settlements nationwide. Illinois’ share from previous settlements exceeds $1.4 billion. The funds from this latest settlement are intended to help communities deal with the impact of opioid addiction.
“This settlement in principle with Albertsons will build upon the important progress we’ve already achieved through previous settlements to fight the ongoing opioid epidemic,” Raoul said. “I will continue to hold companies accountable while ensuring the resources Illinois receives through settlements are distributed equitably throughout the state to help fund the services needed to mitigate the impact of opioid addiction.”
The agreement applies only in states where Albertsons operates, either under its own name or subsidiaries such as Jewel-Osco in Illinois and other brands including Safeway, Randalls, Shaw’s, Acme Markets and United Supermarkets across the country. Negotiations continue regarding additional injunctive relief terms before a final settlement is reached.
This development is part of Attorney General Raoul’s ongoing work addressing deceptive practices that increased opioid prescriptions and harmed public health since 2022. He is joined by attorneys general from California, Colorado and Oregon in leading these negotiations.
The Illinois Attorney General’s office has extended advocacy and protection efforts statewide according to its official website. The office handles thousands of consumer complaints each year according to its official website, advocates for vulnerable groups such as workers, immigrants and seniors according to its official website, protects consumers, promotes safer communities and supports environmental causes according to its official website. It also partners with law enforcement agencies for crime victim support and open government initiatives according to its official website and offers services like complaint filing related to consumer fraud or civil rights issues according to its official website.
