Whole Foods Market

US natural and organic retailer Whole Foods Market has agreed to pay US$800,000 in penalties following a year-long investigation into its pricing in Californian outlets.

The group was found to have been charging more than the advertised price on many of its items, according to Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer, Reuters reported.

As a result, Whole Foods will face penalties such as a US$610,000 charge to the city attorneys of Los Angeles, Sand Diego and Santa Monica (who brought the case against the retailer), US$100,000 to a consumer protection trust fund, and US$68,394 for costs.