Target First to Stash All Pseudoephedrine Behind Pharmacy Counter
MINNEAPOLIS, -- Target today said it will place all products containing pseudoephedrine, the key ingredient in the manufacturing of the illegal drug methamphetamine, behind its pharmacy counters. In stores where there is no pharmacy, products containing pseudoephedrine will not be sold, the chain said.
Target is the first national retailer to voluntarily decide to place pseudoephedrine-based cough, cold, and allergy products behind the pharmacy counter. The new policy will go into effect at all 1,330 Target stores within the next 60-90 days, the company said.
"We believe that this is the right thing to do for our guests, team members and the communities we serve to help curb the growing production and distribution of meth," said Bob Ulrich, chairman and c.e.o., in a statement.
Shoppers who purchase products containing pseudoephedrine will continue to be limited to two packages per transaction, or to more stringent restrictions as required by local law.
Target said it is responding to a growing patchwork of local laws trying to address the issue. Several municipalities and states have passed or are considering legislation regarding the sale of pseudoephedrine products. Congress is also considering legislation.
"As a national retailer, it is becoming increasingly difficult to meet the requirements of each individual city, county and state law," said Mary Kelly, v.p., g.m.m., health, beauty and pharmacy, for the chain. "Our new policy will allow us to be more consistent and will serve the interests of the communities in which we operate by helping to prevent manufacturing of this debilitating substance."
Target is the first national retailer to voluntarily decide to place pseudoephedrine-based cough, cold, and allergy products behind the pharmacy counter. The new policy will go into effect at all 1,330 Target stores within the next 60-90 days, the company said.
"We believe that this is the right thing to do for our guests, team members and the communities we serve to help curb the growing production and distribution of meth," said Bob Ulrich, chairman and c.e.o., in a statement.
Shoppers who purchase products containing pseudoephedrine will continue to be limited to two packages per transaction, or to more stringent restrictions as required by local law.
Target said it is responding to a growing patchwork of local laws trying to address the issue. Several municipalities and states have passed or are considering legislation regarding the sale of pseudoephedrine products. Congress is also considering legislation.
"As a national retailer, it is becoming increasingly difficult to meet the requirements of each individual city, county and state law," said Mary Kelly, v.p., g.m.m., health, beauty and pharmacy, for the chain. "Our new policy will allow us to be more consistent and will serve the interests of the communities in which we operate by helping to prevent manufacturing of this debilitating substance."