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Martinez Today
By the People, for the People
Walgreens Fined $6 Million for Expired Food, Drug Sales
Settlement requires chain to improve pricing accuracy and remove expired products
Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:49am
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Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton and other California DAs reached a $6 million settlement with Walgreens for violations including selling expired baby food, drugs, and overcharging customers. The civil case found Walgreens violated state laws by selling products past their expiration date and charging more than the lowest advertised price. As part of the settlement, Walgreens will implement a 3-year program to improve pricing accuracy and remove expired items from shelves.
Why it matters
This case highlights the importance of consumer protection laws and the role of district attorneys in ensuring companies comply with regulations around food and drug safety, as well as pricing transparency. The settlement aims to restore public trust that major retailers are prioritizing customer safety and fair pricing.
The details
The $6 million settlement includes $5.4 million in civil penalties and $600,000 to reimburse state DAs for investigation costs. Walgreens will have to conduct monthly checks to remove expired baby food, formula, and medication, as well as weekly store walks to correct inaccurate pricing signage. The company's 'Price Promise Guarantee' also requires them to charge customers the lower advertised price if scanned prices are higher.
- The civil case and settlement were reached on March 27, 2026.
The players
Diana Becton
The Contra Costa District Attorney who helped lead the settlement against Walgreens.
Walgreen Co.
An Illinois-based corporation that operates the Walgreens pharmacy chain, which was found to have violated state laws around expired products and pricing.
What they’re saying
“Customers should have confidence that companies that sell food and formula to infants and children are doing so by being scrupulous about the safety of the products in their stores. The same goes for medications that are sold beyond their expiration dates.”
— Diana Becton, Contra Costa District Attorney
What’s next
The court-ordered 3-year program will require Walgreens to implement new policies and procedures to ensure compliance with expired product and pricing laws.
The takeaway
This settlement demonstrates the power of state and local authorities to hold major corporations accountable for consumer protection violations, helping to ensure public safety and trust in the marketplace.
