Albertsons Cos. has reached a $774 million settlement framework to resolve substantially all opioid-related claims brought against the company by state, local and tribal government entities nationally, if all conditions are satisfied.
The settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing or liability, the company said. The framework marks one of the final major resolutions in years of litigation against pharmacy operators over their alleged role in the nation’s opioid crisis.
“This settlement framework marks a significant step toward resolving opioid-related litigation, and Albertsons Cos. believes the settlement framework is in the best interest of all parties,” the company said in its announcement.
Defending pharmacy practices
In announcing the framework, Albertsons defended the role of its pharmacists and the systems it has put in place to monitor prescription medications.
“For years, Albertsons Cos. has invested in strong pharmacy practices designed to promote the safe and appropriate use of prescription medications,” the company said. “The company is proud of its pharmacists and their long-standing role in promoting responsible medication use.”
The retailer emphasized the community-facing role its pharmacy teams play each day.
“As trusted healthcare professionals in the communities they serve, Albertsons Cos. pharmacists work directly with patients every day to provide guidance, education, and care focused on safe and appropriate medication use,” the company said.
Albertsons said it would continue building on those practices going forward.
“The company is continuing its ongoing commitment to patient safety, responsible pharmacy operations, robust training and tools for pharmacy teams, and being a constructive partner in addressing the opioid crisis,” Albertsons said.
Company footprint
As of Feb. 28, Albertsons operated 2,244 retail food and drug stores with 1,713 in-store pharmacies, 405 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 19 manufacturing facilities.
The company operates stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia under 22 well-known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, ACME, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci’s Food Lovers Market.
Community commitment
Albertsons pointed to its ongoing philanthropic work as evidence of the role its stores play in the communities they serve.
“The company is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood,” Albertsons said.
In 2025, the company and the Albertsons Companies Foundation contributed $497 million in food and financial support, including $56 million through its Nourishing Neighbors Program to ensure those living in its communities and those impacted by disasters have enough to eat.
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