Kentucky settles opioid lawsuit with Kroger for $110 million

Kentucky has reached a $110 million settlement with Kroger over allegations that the grocery chain contributed to the opioid crisis. The state plans to use the funds for addiction prevention and recovery efforts. The lawsuit claimed Kroger's pharmacies distributed 444 million opioid doses in Kentucky from 2006 to 2019, with no effective system to monitor suspicious activities. Kroger disputed these claims, stating it has provided training and tools for pharmacists. Kentucky opted out of a multistate settlement that would have netted about $50 million, allowing it to secure a larger amount through its own lawsuit. Half of the settlement funds will go to local governments, while the rest will support addiction initiatives.