OAKLAND — A settlement between retail giant Walmart, Inc. and the state of California will force the corporation to pay $16 million to the state for selling infant formula and other over-the-counter drugs after their expiration dates. authorities said.
Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones announced the settlement in a statement and said the county will receive $2.2 million in civil penalties and $60,000 in cost recovery. It was not immediately clear Wednesday whether Contra Costa, Santa Clara and San Mateo counties were parties to the settlement.
According to Jones, an investigation by law enforcement found that Walmart sold expired infant formula and other over-the-counter drugs. Authorities uncovered no evidence the illegal action caused any harm to consumers and cooperated with investigators, Jones said.
Jones said that Walmart has agreed to implement an enhanced training for employees and to devote hours ensuring that the formula and other drugs on its shelves are safe.
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