(rchris173)

In 2008, the state of New Jersey filed a lawsuit against Walmart, Target and Drug Fair, alleging that the stores sold infant formula and over-the-counter drugs that had expired. Target settled with the state a year ago for $375,000 and Drug Fair went out business. But it wasn't until yesterday that Walmart finally reached an agreement to the tune of $775,000.

Said NJ's Attorney General Paula Dow:

This settlement puts the onus on Walmart to check expiration dates when stocking its shelves, to periodically recheck stocked items, and then remove from sale any infant formula or non-prescription drugs that are past expiration...

A responsible retailer should do no less and we expect full compliance at Walmart's 54 New Jersey stores.

Under the terms of the settlement, Walmart will pay $500,000 in civil penalties, reimburse the state $200,000 for legal expenses and investigative costs, and use $75,000 to fund a consumer education program and develop policies to prevent future violations.

Of course, $775,000 is a drop in the bucket for Walmart, the world's largest retailer. It also pales in comparisons to some of its other recent settlements, like the $27.6 million in California, $9 million in Texas or $6.5 million in Minnesota.

Walmart to pay N.J. $775,000 in fines [Star-Ledger]