Albertsons considers appealing 900 million dollar Washington opioid trial verdict

Albertsons announced on November 6, 2026, that it is considering an appeal against a $900 million verdict issued in King County Superior Court in Washington. Supermarket News reported that the court found the retailer contributed to the opioid epidemic, marking what is reportedly the largest verdict in the history of Washington state. [1]

During the nine-week trial, the state of Washington argued that Albertsons unlawfully dispensed opioid prescriptions for years. Supermarket News reported that the state presented evidence showing the company failed to adequately investigate and document resolutions for red flag warnings regarding potential drug misuse. [1]

Albertsons stated that it is disappointed by the court ruling and respectfully disagrees with the conclusions. Supermarket News reported that the company is reviewing the court decision closely to evaluate its options for an appeal. [1]

Headquartered in Boise, Idaho, Albertsons operates as the second-largest supermarket company in the United States following its 2015 merger with Safeway. As of early 2025, the retailer managed 2,270 retail locations, which included 1,728 in-store pharmacies located primarily across the western and midwestern regions. [2][3]