NEWARK – Duane Reade International, Inc. (“Duane Reade”) has agreed to pay New Jersey $50,000 under a voluntary settlement that concludes an investigation into sales of expired products, Consumer Affairs Acting Director Stephen B. Nolan announced today.

Duane Reade, a New York City pharmacy chain with locations in New Jersey, offers for sale non-prescription drugs, infant formula, baby food and cosmetics, among other products. Under the settlement, Duane Reade has agreed to not sell any of these products beyond their expiration dates, to check the expiration dates of all such products before they are displayed for sale and to arrange for the destruction of any non-prescription drugs, infant formula, baby food and/or cosmetics that are removed from stores because they have expired. Duane Reade also will provide training to all managers and other employees to ensure compliance with this settlement.

“Consumers expect the products they buy to be fully safe and effective and that certainly means not having items available for purchase past the manufacturer’s expiration date,” Nolan said. “This settlement places the onus on Duane Reade, rather than the individual shopper, to make sure items are checked and out-of-date products removed from store shelves.”

Under the settlement, Duane Reade also will comply with state laws, rules and regulations regarding its business practices including, but not limited to, the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (CFA) and the CFA Regulations.

“We hope this settlement reminds consumers to always check the expiration dates on products before purchase,” added Nolan. “It is a simple step that can make a big difference for New Jersey consumers and we are pleased that Duane Reade has pledged to do all they can to help prevent the sale of expired products in their stores.”

Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Koziar represented the State in this matter.

###