When it comes to supermarkets and retailers, there are a few that can compete with Kroger. As most employers still prefer to drug screen applicants despite marijuana being legal in many states right now, I decided to do some research on whether or not Kroger drug tests new employees before hiring them.
Kroger is one of the largest retail companies in the United States. That explains why many people are interested in working there. The company’s availability in all states and most cities make it a great place to look for a job.
Kroger Company Facts
Kroger is a retail company that was founded in 1883 in Ohio by Bernard Kroger. It is now the largest supermarket in the United States by revenue. There are over 2,700 Kroger locations throughout the country and almost half a million people are employed by Kroger. The company is ranked at 20 on the Fortune 500 list.
There are different jobs you can apply to at Kroger. You can work as a retail clerk, cashier, as a driver, or one of the many other jobs available at the company. Those with advanced degrees or with enough experience can apply to jobs at Head Quarter in Ohio.
Kroger Drug Test Policy in 2024
Kroger is a big name that Americans are familiar with. When people walk into Kroger, they expect to get excellent service. Since the company has a reputation to uphold, it cares about what customers have to say more than anything. That’s why you could get in trouble for testing positive on a drug test.
Employees who use drugs during their shifts can lead to accidents and disgruntled customers. If drug tested at Kroger, you can expect to be tested for marijuana, amphetamines, barbiturates, cocaine, heroin, and others.
What to Expect During Kroger Hiring Process
The hiring process at Kroger is simple and generally takes a few days to 2 weeks from start to finish. You can start by submitting an application online. Within a couple of days they will email you and give you a phone interview. If you do well on the phone interview, they will give you an appointment for an in-person interview. If you do well, you’ll be hired. This takes up to 2 weeks.
Does Kroger Drug Test New Employees?
Unfortunately for recreational drug users, Kroger does pre-employment drug tests. You will need to be drug tested before you’re allowed to work there.
Some people say that they were never tested but that information might be outdated or it might vary based on location. The best way to prepare would be to assume that you will be drug tested.
You should abstain from using drugs for at least 1 week before you apply there and interview. If you want to know for sure whether the Kroger you’re applying to drug tests, you can always ask the people who already work there if they were drug tested when applying.
It seems, however, that regardless of the Kroger you’re applying to, you will be drug tested if you’re going to work in the pharmacy. This is because working in the pharmacy is a sensitive job.
Does Kroger Do Random and Pre-Promotional Drug Test?
It will be part of your contract that Kroger can drug test you at any time, but this rarely happens. As I mentioned earlier, in some locations, they don’t even test new applicants.
You will rarely be required to take a random drug test when working at Kroger. If you are involved in a work accident you will need to take a drug test. Additionally, if you hurt yourself, another employee, or a customer, you will need to take a drug test.
It’s not clear whether people are drug tested before getting promoted at Kroger. The best way to keep your job is to not use drugs during your shifts.
If you feel like you’re going to get a promotion soon, you should also abstain from drugs in case they drug test you. It would be a shame to waste a promotion and potentially get fired for using drugs.
What kind of Drug Test Does Kroger Use?
Kroger uses a mouth swab drug test to test potential employees. This is a swab that takes your saliva so it can be tested for drugs. Drugs stays in saliva for a short period of time up to 3-4 days.
That’s why abstaining from drugs is the most efficient way to pass your swab drug test when applying for a job at Kroger. The mouth swab will be sent to a lab for analysis and Kroger will let you know when they get the results back.
Can You Fail Your Drug Test for Using Prescription Drugs?
There’s no way for you to fail a drug test if you’re on prescription drugs. In order to avoid any mix up, you’ll need to inform your employer that you’re on prescription meds while they take an oral swab to test your saliva for drugs. By doing so they’ll know beforehand you’re on a prescription.
You can also give them the contact information if your physician so they can call him or her to confirm that you’re on a prescription. They’re not allowed to ask what you’re taking or why you’re taking it though. That information is protected by doctor patient confidentiality.
How to Pass a Saliva Drug Test at Kroger?
According to Kroger drug testing policy, job seekers and current employers have to take saliva drug test. This makes less challenging for recreational drug users to pass such drug test as a saliva (swab) drug test is much easier to pass compare to hair and urine drug tests.
If you are informed that you have to take your saliva drug test in a few days, the best course of action would be abstaining from marijuana for at least 48-72 hours beforehand, brushing your teeth and gums properly and using a strong mouthwash like Listerine.
If users follow the above mentioned recommendation, in most cases, they passed their tests without any issues.
If for any reasons you cannot abstain from using marijuana for at least 24-48 hours or caught by surprise, you might consider using a mouth detox product specifically design to pass the saliva drug test.
Summary
Kroger is a large retail company in US. It’s popular and people like working there. You’re also likely to find a job there that suits your skills and experience. They’re more strict than others when it comes to drug testing. Try to abstain from drugs before interviewing and you should be fine.
Thank you for reading our article “Does Kroger drug test new employees?”
We would love to hear about your experiences going through Kroger hiring process and drug testing procedure.
We believe others who are applying for jobs at Kroger will definitely appreciate and benefit from it.
Helpful link:
How to Pass a Saliva Drug Test – 2 Facts You Need to Know!!
Learn more here:
PubMed, Detection time for THC in oral fluid after frequent cannabis smoking.
ASTM.org, Blind Trials of an Onsite Saliva Drug Test for Marijuana and Opiates
