NEW YORK (AP) — New York Attorney General Letitia James facilitated the distribution of 4,668 cans of baby formula to New Yorkers in New York City on Monday, a response to her investigation into Walgreens Co. for allegedly increasing prices during the 2022 shortage.
The Office of the Attorney General launched an inquiry into Walgreens’ alleged price hikes of baby formula following reports and consumer complaints about the product’s unreasonably high costs.
James secured over 9,500 cans of baby formula from Walgreens, of which 4,668 were already delivered to New Yorkers in Western New York. As part of the resolution to the investigation, Walgreens will pay a $50,000 penalty.
The distributed baby formula, valued at approximately $150,000 wholesale, will be provided to the Met Council for distribution throughout New York City.
“Price gouging of baby formula during a national shortage is illegal and unconscionable,” said Attorney General James. “Parents should never have to worry about feeding their babies because companies are taking advantage of a national emergency to raise prices. Today, hundreds of families will be able to get free baby formula from an agreement my office reached with Walgreens for price gouging. I am proud to deliver this baby formula to the Met Council which works day in and day out to help those who need it most.”
The Met Council is an organization dedicated to assisting those in need across New York City.
