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11/11/09

Target reaches $375K settlement with N.J.



for selling expired baby formula, charging different prices

By Chris Megerian/Statehouse Bureau

November 10, 2009, 1:12PM

The company has agreed to pay New Jersey $375,000 to settle a lawsuit that it sold expired baby formula and charged different prices at the register than advertised.

TRENTON -- Retail giant Target has agreed to pay $375,000 and alter its business practices in New Jersey as part of a settlement with the state.State officials said the company will no longer sell non-prescription drugs or infant formula beyond their expiration dates, nor will it sell merchandise for more money than the displayed price.

Target also created a new position to monitor the company's compliance with the settlement for the next two years.“We expect retailers to treat their customers fairly, and that means proper pricing and having merchandise available as advertised,” Division of Consumer Affairs Director David Szuchman said in a statement.

“It is significant that Target has agreed to create a new senior management position specifically to ensure compliance with the company’s polices and the terms of the settlement as to price accuracy.” The state inspected 21 of the company's 40 New Jersey stores before filing a lawsuit in September 2008.

see: http://consumerist.com/5401732/target-pays-new-jersey-375k-to-settle-fraud-charges

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