Albertsons controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
Back to profile5 entries
2026
Albertsons seeks more than $8 billion in damages from Kroger over failed merger
Lawsuit filed
Albertsons announced it is seeking more than $8 billion in damages from Kroger, alleging that Kroger failed to come up with an asset divestiture plan that would have appeased the antitrust regulators evaluating the retailers' previously planned merger. Albertsons claims Kroger refused to divest assets necessary for antitrust approval, ignored feedback from the FTC and state regulators, and refused to work with Albertsons in good faith. The claim, made in the Delaware Court of Chancery where Albertsons has also filed a suit seeking the $600 million break-up fee, includes lost shareholder value and other related losses from the failed merger; that trial is scheduled to begin on Oct. 19. The allegations are Albertsons' claims and have not been adjudicated.
Source excerpt
Albertsons revealed that it is seeking more than $8 billion in damages from Kroger, alleging that its Cincinnati-based rival failed to come up with an asset divestiture plan that would have appeased the antitrust regulators who were evaluating the retailers’ previously planned merger.
The $8 billion-plus that Albertsons is now seeking includes lost shareholder value and other related losses as a result of the failed merger, Albertsons said.
The claim was made in the Delaware Court of Chancery, where Albertsons has filed a suit seeking the $600 million break-up fee from the failed merger. That trial is scheduled to begin on Oct. 19.
2026
Albertsons recalls 59 store-made items in New Mexico and Texas over salmonella risk
Recall announced
Albertsons voluntarily recalled 59 store-made items sold at Albertsons Market, Market Street, Amigos and United stores in New Mexico and Texas due to salmonella contamination risk. The recall followed a supplier-initiated recall by Ron's Home Style Foods tied to recalled jalapeños from Coast Citrus Distributors. Customers were urged not to consume the products and to throw them away or return them for a full refund.
Company response
Recall — Albertsons
Albertsons recalled 59 store-made items available for purchase in New Mexico stores due to the risk of salmonella contamination.
Refund or compensation — Albertsons
If you purchased any of these items, the company is urging you not to consume them. Instead, you should throw it away or return it for a full refund.
Source excerpt
If you purchased any of these items, the company is urging you not to consume them. Instead, you should throw it away or return it for a full refund.
The affected products contain pico de gallo made with jalapeños that were recalled in association with the ongoing FDA recall involving Coast Citrus Distributors.
Albertsons recalled 59 store-made items available for purchase in New Mexico stores due to the risk of salmonella contamination.
2022
Interstate Meat Dist. recalls ground beef sold under multiple brands
Recall announced
Interstate Meat Dist. is recalling about 28,356 pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The products were sold under WinCo, Wal-Mart, Kroger and Albertsons brands; FSIS said test results from a sample were actionable.
Source excerpt
Clackamas, Oregon -based Interstate Meat Dist. Inc. is recalling around 28,356 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service or FSIS announced.
FSIS conducted an assessment of the third-party laboratory's accreditation and methodologies and determined the results were actionable.
The products were sold under the brands of WinCo, Wal-Mart, Kroger, and Albertsons.
2021
Albertsons settles California refrigerant-program violations
Settlement
The California Air Resources Board reached a $5.1 million settlement with Albertsons over violations of the Refrigerant Management Program at its California stores between 2016 and 2018. The settlement included a $2.55 million civil penalty and $2.55 million for environmental projects.
Company response
Remediation — Albertsons
signed a compliance plan to ensure ongoing compliance with the RMP regulation
Source excerpt
Albertsons’ settlement includes a $2.55 million civil penalty and $2.55 million in funding for two Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEP).
The California Air Resources Board reached a settlement agreement with The Albertsons Companies, Inc. for $5.1 million for violations of the Refrigerant Management Program (RMP)
During regular inspections under the RMP, CARB investigators found that Albertsons failed to comply with the program’s requirements across Albertsons stores in California between 2016-2018.
2020
Albertsons sued over alleged pandemic price gouging
Lawsuit filed
A San Francisco woman filed a proposed class-action suit against Albertsons, alleging unlawful price increases during the COVID-19 pandemic, including for toilet paper sold at a Safeway location. The allegations are not presented as a court finding.
Source excerpt
Eleisha Redmond's suit, dated June 3, is a proposed class action against Albertson's, an Idaho-based company that operates supermarkets including Safeway, Randalls and Vons.
Plaintiff brings this action to hold Defendant liable for its unlawful price increases during the COVID-19 pandemic.