Retail and Consumer Protection

Wegmans Food Markets confirmed it is using facial-recognition cameras and collecting biometric identifiers at a subset of its U.S. grocery stores, including at least one New York City location, saying the technology is deployed in 'a small fraction' of higher‑risk stores to identify individuals previously flagged for misconduct. The company says the system stores images and video for an undisclosed, 'industry standard' period, uses the data only to match against an internal list of 'persons of interest,' and does not share biometric data with third parties, while New York legislator Rachel Barnhart has asked CEO Colleen Wegman to disclose whether such surveillance is operating in other states and called for explicit limits and consent protections. Wegmans, which operates more than 100 stores in nine states and Washington, D.C., maintains the technology complies with New York City rules and is used solely to enhance safety for customers and employees.