State Fines Woodbridge Pharmacy Over Sale Of COVID Test

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — This week, a Woodbridge pharmacy was fined by the state for violating New Jersey's rules around the sale of COVID test kits.

The fines were announced Thursday by acting New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, and the state Division of Consumer Affairs.

The pharmacy is Iselin Pharmacy, located on Green Street in the Iselin section of Woodbridge. It is listed under its business name of Sanraj Inc., doing business as Iselin Pharmacy.

However, a pharmacist who works at Iselin Pharmacy — 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.

Here is the specific letter and citation the state sent to Iselin Pharmacy: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.... The state seeks to fine Iselin Pharmacy $2,500. The pharmacy can always contest the state's allegation and contest the fine.

In total, four pharmacies across the state were fined by the state. The other three are:

SLV Pharmacy, Inc., d/b/a Valley Pharmacy, in Succasunna, Morris County, which was cited for offering and selling COVID-19 test kits to the general public that were not authorized for at-home use, and also for offering and selling tests for at-home use without the total selling price plainly marked or affixed to the merchandise.

Sayreville Pharmacy in Monroe Township, Middlesex County, which was cited for offering and selling COVID-19 test kits to the general public that were not authorized for at-home use

Khawajarx, Inc., d/b/a Wellcare Pharmacy, in Union City, Hudson County, which was assessed a penalty for offering and selling COVID-19 antigen test kits without the total selling price plainly marked or affixed to the merchandise.

The fines levied by the state range from $500 to $5,000.

This is only the latest round of enforcement the state has taken to protect consumers from those seeking to profit from the coronavirus pandemic.

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.

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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