The Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs, in cooperation with the Ocean County Health Department, has reached a Consent Agreement with Stop & Shop supermarkets following an investigation that uncovered widespread mislabeling and improper handling of beef and poultry products.
The probe began after complaints were filed regarding spoiled meat and poultry being sold at the Toms River Stop & Shop. During an inspection, investigators found mislabeled product dates and spoiled products awaiting placement on store shelves.
The investigation was later expanded to all five Stop & Shop locations in Ocean County. Inspectors reported systemic mislabeling practices, including products marked with dates reflecting when they were placed on display rather than when they were packaged. In some cases, expiration dates exceeded wholesaler recommendations, creating the appearance of longer-lasting freshness.
According to investigators, the company’s reliance on pre-packaged products from off-site wholesalers contributed to the issue. In one instance, a wholesale box delivered in February was not opened until March but was labeled as if it had been packaged that day.
Stop & Shop corporate counsel and senior management cooperated with county officials but initially described the matter as a “mislabeling issue.” After negotiations with County Counsel Laura Comer and Consumer Affairs Director Ronald Heinzman, the supermarket chain agreed to a Consent Agreement requiring corrective action.
As part of the settlement, Stop & Shop will pay $75,000 in fines and penalties and implement stricter labeling safeguards across all 46 of its New Jersey locations. The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and the Division of Consumer Affairs were also briefed to ensure broader accountability.
“This was a serious breach of consumer trust and confidence,” Heinzman said, noting that the department viewed the violations as a public health and safety issue.
Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace, who serves as liaison to the Department of Consumer Affairs, praised investigators for their handling of the case. “This was a matter of considerable importance, and we deeply appreciate their prompt and decisive actions in ensuring it was thoroughly addressed,” Arace said.
The investigation was led by Consumer Protection Investigators Andrew Chencharik and Anthony Fontana, with legal oversight by County Counsel Comer.