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are checked and out-of-date products removed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.
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