KROGER TO MOVE CERTAIN PSEUDOEPHEDRINE PRODUCTS BEHIND PHARMACY COUNTERS OR TO OTHER SECURE LOCATIONS

CINCINNATI, OH, June 20, 2005 – The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced that over the next few months, it will move certain over-the-counter medications containing pseudoephedrine (PSE) behind store pharmacy counters or to other secure locations.

A growing number of states have imposed restrictions on the sale of certain cold and allergy medicines containing PSE because they are being used in some cases to illegally make the stimulant methamphetamine.

“Kroger strongly supports efforts to curb the abuse of pseudoephedrine,” said Mike Ellis, Kroger group vice president. “At the same time, we know that many of our customers depend on these products for quick, effective relief from colds and allergies. We believe our decision to move select products to a secure location will ensure that our customers continue to have access to these medicines, while also assisting state and local law enforcement officials in the fight against drug abuse.”

Kroger operates approximately 1,900 retail pharmacies around the country. In stores that have no pharmacies, and as law allows, Kroger is evaluating whether to stock a limited variety of these items behind a service counter in order to continue serving our customers.

Mr. Ellis said Kroger will continue working with its suppliers about reformulating these products with alternative ingredients.

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger is one of the nation’s largest retail grocery chains. At the end of fiscal 2004, the Company operated (either directly or through its subsidiaries) 2,532 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 32 states under two dozen banners including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Smith’s, Fry’s, Fry’s Marketplace, Dillons, QFC and City Market. Kroger also operated (either directly or through subsidiaries, franchise agreements, or operating agreements) 795 convenience stores, 436 fine jewelry stores, 536 supermarket fuel centers and 42 food processing plants. For more information about Kroger, please visit our web site at www.kroger.com.

« Go back