Kroger Drug Test

Yes, Kroger does conduct drug tests. Most Kroger stores conduct pre-employment drug tests for potential employees as of 2022.

Kroger regularly performs periodic tests for existing employees also. These periodic drug tests can be done at random or after an accident or other qualifying event.

Typically, Korger will do mouth and urine drug tests to detect substances, and if a test comes back positive, employment may be terminated.

Kroger is a reputable employer with over 465,000 employees across its many locations. They frequently hire part-time and full-time roles, with the most commonly open position as cashier or sales associate. With all this in mind, you may be wondering about the details of employment at Kroger, particularly whether or not they drug test.

Those using non-prescription drugs should keep in mind that they may be tested for these substances at any time and that Kroger reserves the right to fire or refuse employment to those who test positive for these substances.

If you are taking prescription medications that may be controlled substances, be sure to contact your medical provider so they can explain this to your employer.

When Does Kroger Drug Test?

According to former employees, Kroger runs pre-employment drug tests early on in the hiring process. Your pre-employment drug test may be on the day of your first interview or even sooner, so be prepared for this. When it’s time to take the drug test, you cannot delay or reschedule it; you must do it at the scheduled time.

Though Kroger does pre-employment drug tests, whether or not you will be drug tested after employment is a more complicated issue. As of 2021, former employees report that Kroger does not frequently utilize drug tests for all employees.

It is highly unlikely that any Kroger location would issue an all-employee drug test. However, if any individual employee is suspected of using drugs or being under the influence at work, a drug test will be given to that specific employee. Of course, it goes without saying that if an employee is caught using drugs at work, they will be terminated immediately.

What Type of Drug Test Does Kroger Do?

Former Kroger employees report that Kroger typically utilizes mouth swab tests, which check for banned substances present in your saliva. Mouth swab tests can detect substances up to 72 hours after use. For THC, this period is lengthened to a week because that compound tends to stick around in your body for a bit longer.

Mouth swab tests test for major commonly abused substances, including the following:

• Marijuana (THC)

• Cocaine

• Methamphetamine

• PCP

• Opiates

• Amphetamines

• Benzodiazepines

• Barbiturates

The legality of marijuana use across the United States varies, and you may be wondering if Kroger still tests for THC in areas where recreational marijuana usage has been legalized. Former employees state varying answers to this question but err on the side of caution. Kroger may still test for THC in these areas as usage could be a liability to the company.

If you have any concerns about whether or not you will pass Kroger’s mouth swab drug test, of course, we would recommend trying to limit drug usage as much as possible for the month leading up to your test.

Keep in mind the 72-hour detection abilities for most substances and the weeklong time frame for THC. Brush your teeth twice daily with frequent use of mouthwash, and be sure to stay well-hydrated on the day of your test to provide a good sample.