The Kroger Company, or Kroger, is the largest grocery chain in America and the second-largest hypermarket chain worldwide, according to Statista.
It operates in 35 states with more than 2900 locations in the U.S. It employs more than 500,000 people, working part-time and full time.
As a prospective employee, you may wonder if Kroger drug tests its employees during background checks and what to look out for.
Read on to find out more;
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Does Kroger Require A Drug Test?
Kroger’s Code of Ethics states that the company upholds and expects its employees to live up to the highest moral, legal, and ethical standards. As a result, it performs pre-employment background checks on job applicants, including drug tests.
Some Kroger stores do not conduct drug tests as part of the recruitment process. It is based on necessity; for example, if a store deems it fit to assess your behavior with a drug test, you will have to do it.
For instance, if you are going to work in the pharmacy, you must get drug-tested as it is a sensitive job.
When Does Kroger Drug Test?
Kroger conducts periodic drug tests on its existing employees and new hires. The store managers have sole discretion on when and if the drug tests are done.
Below are some of the other occasions where Kroger may require a drug test.
Pre-Employment
Pre-employment drug tests are done early, during the first interview or before.
You have to take the tests at the scheduled time, as you cannot reschedule or delay them.
Suspicious Behavior
If the store manager finds your behavior suspicious or consistent with drug abuse, you must take a drug test.
Here, the employee has to comply or risk losing their job.
Post-accident Investigation
In compliance with the company policy, the store manager will require you to undergo a drug test if you are involved in an accident at work.
Also, if you hurt yourself, a customer, or a colleague, you will be subjected to a drug test to prove that you are not under drug influence.
Random Tests
Kroger may request a random drug test from its employees in compliance with its policy.
Does Kroger Drug Test All Employees?
Yes, all employees are drug-tested regardless of position – both full-time and part-time.
This means that cashiers, managers, and all employees are tested according to the company’s policy. No one is exempted!
How Does Kroger Do Their Drug Test?
Kroger’s preferred drug testing method is the mouth swab. It is a rapid and painless process that involves using a cotton bud to take your saliva, which is sent to the laboratory.
This test will detect the presence of drugs in your system through the saliva sample. It can notice drugs in your saliva up to 72 hours of substance abuse.
Kroger performs a 5-panel drug test for mind-altering drugs. These tests check for the below five substances;
- Cocaine.
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Methamphetamine
- Opiates
The drug test takes about three minutes for a saliva sample collection and about 24 hours to get the results once sent to the laboratory. The store manager decides the mouth swab test location, which can be your office or a testing center.
What States Do Not Allow Drug Testing?
Some states legalize marijuana for recreational use, such as Ohio, Arizona, New York, Colorado, and Connecticut.
Kroger errs on the side of caution on THC drug testing, and there are varying answers to this question. In some stores, you will find that THC tests are done as its usage could be a liability to the company.
THC can be detected in a drug test for around one week. Therefore, avoid it for a week or more before a Kroger job interview.
How To Pass Your Drug Test With Kroger
Below are some tips to help you pass your Kroger drug test;
- Stay away from drugs at least one week before your drug test.
- Brush your teeth thoroughly at least thrice daily. If possible, use a strong mouthwash like Listerine three to four times a day.
- Buy saliva neutralizing products, especially if you are called in for a drug test on short notice. They neutralize the saliva for up to 30 minutes.
What If You Failed Your Drug Test With Kroger?
A positive drug test will lead to immediate termination of employment.
If you are a regular substance abuser, avoid taking them while undergoing interviews at the store. You should abstain from drugs for at least four days to one week before taking a test.
However, if you fail the test, you can dispute it if there is an error. The company will reanalyze the sample or check a second sample to confirm. If the test comes back positive, you will have no chance of working at Kroger.
FAQs
Why does Kroger drug test?
Kroger conducts drug tests to ensure a safe and drug-free workplace for its employees and customers.
Does Kroger also run a background check before hiring?
Kroger runs background checks on potential employees as part of its pre-employment process. They are done after the company makes an employment offer contingent on the background check success.
Kroger looks for financial records, educational history, criminal history, and even driving history.
Does Kroger Pharmacy sell drug test kits?
Yes, you can get home drug test kits at the Kroger Pharmacy.
Does Kroger drug test regularly?
Yes, Kroger regularly drug tests according to its company policy.
However, this is under the store manager’s discretion.
Does Kroger drug test minors?
Laws vary by state; however, minors can consent to drug testing, but only if a parent or guardian agrees to it.
Does Kroger do pre-promotional drug tests?
It is not clear if Kroger does pre-promotional drug tests.
However, you should abstain from drugs to avoid missing a promotion because of a failed drug test.
Conclusion.
Kroger performs drug tests on its new hires and existing employees. However, this depends on the store. As a general rule, it is recommended to avoid using drugs before an interview and at work.
