NACDS' Anderson discusses INFORM Consumers Act in op-ed

In an op-ed, published today in Morning Consult,  National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and CEO Steve Anderson welcomed the anticipated re-introduction of the The INFORM Consumers Act in the U.S. House and Senate. The act would require e-commerce marketplaces to provide basic information and contact details on third-party sellers.

During NACDS’ virtual fly-in last week, Anderson discussed with lawmakers how the bill would go a long way in promoting transparency and protecting consumers.

“For many Americans, pharmacies have been a trusted source of advice and essential products amid the uncertainty of the ongoing public health crisis, and members of the NACDS continue to play a vital role in local communities. But in the eyes of those looking to exploit the pandemic for their own gain, pharmacies have become a prime target, where criminals steal in-demand over-the-counter medication and other health products only to resell those items anonymously online to unassuming consumers. It’s a growing problem known as organized retail crime that Congress can and should help solve," Anderson wrote.

Anderson said that as our nation continues to accelerate efficient and equitable COVID-19 vaccinations as vaccine supply becomes more available, so do pharmacies. "But we call on Congress to keep customers safe from organized retail crime, an increasing threat to their health and safety. The stakes are just too high," he wrote.

For the full op-ed click here.