4 Pharmacies Fined For Improperly Selling COVID Test Kits In NJ

NEW JERSEY — Four pharmacies were fined by the state for violating New Jersey's rules around the sale of COVID test kits, according to acting New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, and the state Division of Consumer Affairs.

The four pharmacies are Valley Pharmacy in Succasunna (Morris County), Sayreville Pharmacy in Monroe Township, Iselin Pharmacy in the Iselin section of Woodbridge and Wellcare Pharmacy in Union City.

Valley Pharmacy, Sayreville Pharmacy and Iselin Pharmacy are accused by the Division of Consumer Affairs of selling COVID-19 test kits to the general public that were not authorized for at-home use.

The Union City pharmacy was given a different penalty: The state said it sold COVID antigen test kits without the price clearly marked. This could border on price gouging, said the state.

These are allegations made by the Division of Consumer Affairs made from customer complaints. The fines levied by the state range from $500 to $5,000. The pharmacy can always contest the state's allegation and contest the fine.

A pharmacist who works at Iselin Pharmacy in Woodbridge — but does not own the business — said she is familiar with the state's citation. She explained that the pharmacy sold a customer one single COVID test from a box of many, and the customer was not given instructions in that particular test kit. She said the customer returned to the store, was given instructions but still did not understand how to use them.

She said the customer became angry and then filed a complaint with the Department of Consumer Affairs.

The state seeks to fine Iselin Pharmacy $2,500.

To date, the Division of Consumer Affairs has sent 1,961 cease-and-desist letters to retailers suspected of price gouging and other unconscionable business practices during the coronavirus pandemic.

The state has also issued 100 subpoenas seeking additional information in its investigations of alleged violations of the Consumer Fraud Act during the pandemic. This past January, the Division sent more than 50 warning letters to NJ businesses that sold COVID-19 test kits. All 50 of those businesses had been reported by the public as price gouging.

“The Division is committed to enforcing the laws in place to protect consumers from unprincipled merchants,” said Division of Consumer Affairs Acting Director Sean Neafsey. “We will continue to review and investigate complaints to keep the marketplace fair and honest.”

Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse, can file an online complaint with the Division online or by calling 1-800-242-5846 to receive a complaint form by mail.

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