Back in March, New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo’s Office started an undercover investigation into all major drug store chains in New York State. The AG’s Office uncovered what they describe as an “egregious” pattern of selling expired products at two chains, Rite Aid ad CVS.

The AG says:

…the Attorney General’s investigation has so far uncovered that 142 CVS and 112 Rite Aid stores in over 41 counties sold expired products. This reflects 60 percent of the CVS stores visited and 43 percent of the Rite Aid stores visited.

At these locations, undercover investigators were able to purchase more than 600 expired products, including milk, eggs, medicines and baby formula. Several of the expired products were over one-year-old.

Cuomo’s office has announced that they intend to commence with litigation against both chains.

“My ongoing investigation has uncovered a shameful disregard for public health in these stores,” said Attorney General Cuomo. “Families across New York State buy products from these establishments assuming that they’re coming from a safe, reputable source. However, when the products pass their expiration dates, they become ineffective and potentially unsafe, threatening to put our loved ones at risk. These companies allowed personal profit to get ahead of their customers’ health. I am committed to protecting New York consumers and we will continue to investigate this troubling practice.”

In addition to publishing two letters sent to Rite Aid and CVS, the AG’s office also published the results of their investigation. You can check it out here (PDF).

ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO TAKES LEGAL ACTION AGAINST CVS AND RITE AID FOR SELLING EXPIRED PRODUCTS ACROSS UPSTATE NEW YORK [NYAG]
(Photo: Danquella Manera )