The Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs has reached a consent agreement with Stop & Shop supermarkets after an investigation revealed mislabeling and improper handling of beef and poultry products at several store locations.
The inquiry began following complaints about spoiled meat and poultry at the Toms River Stop & Shop. Inspectors found products with incorrect date labels and spoiled items waiting to be displayed. The investigation was then expanded to all five Stop & Shop stores in Ocean County, where systemic mislabeling was discovered. Investigators reported that product dates reflected when items were put on display rather than their actual packaging dates, making products appear fresher than they were. Some expiration dates also exceeded those recommended by wholesalers.
It was also determined that Stop & Shop had shifted from using in-store butchers to relying mostly on pre-packaged goods from off-site wholesalers. In one example, a box delivered in February was not opened until March but was labeled as if it had been freshly packaged that day.
Stop & Shop’s corporate counsel and management cooperated with the investigation, initially describing the situation as a “mislabeling issue.” A consent agreement was negotiated between Ocean County Counsel Laura Comer, Director of Consumer Affairs Ronald Heinzman, and representatives from Stop & Shop, requiring immediate action to address consumer protection concerns.
“I commend the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs for their steadfast commitment and professionalism in protecting the interests of our residents,” said Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace, liaison to the Department. “This was a matter of considerable importance, and we deeply appreciate their prompt and decisive actions in ensuring it was thoroughly addressed.”
Under the agreement, Stop & Shop will pay $75,000 in fines and penalties and must implement stricter safeguards for accurate labeling across its 46 New Jersey stores. The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and Division of Consumer Affairs have been informed to ensure broader compliance throughout the state.
“This was a serious breach of consumer trust and confidence,” said Director Heinzman. “Consumer Affairs took a strong position that this was an immediate public safety, health, and welfare issue.”
The case involved investigators Andrew Chencharik and Anthony Fontana under legal guidance from Laura Comer.
