NEW YORK — Wegmans Food Markets is addressing concerns that it is collecting shoppers’ biometric data on a broad scale by releasing a statement today. The company clarified that its in-store technology is limited to facial recognition at a few locations and does not include retinal scans or voice analysis.

The clarification comes after scrutiny following signage posted at the retailer’s Manhattan and Brooklyn stores indicating that facial recognition, eye scanning, and voice analysis “may be used” to enhance store safety. Privacy advocates warned that expanded biometric surveillance could expose customers to data misuse, hacking risks, and unclear retention policies.

In its statement, Wegmans said that in “a small fraction” of stores it has deployed cameras equipped with facial recognition technology, and that in New York City it complies with local law by posting required notices.

“This technology is solely used for keeping our stores secure and safe,” the company said. “The data is not, and will not, be used for any other purpose.”

Wegmans emphasized that it does not collect retinal scans or voice prints and that its system is designed only to identify individuals previously flagged for misconduct. According to the company, so-called “persons of interest” are identified by its asset protection team based on incidents occurring on store property or, in some cases, on information provided by law enforcement related to criminal or missing-persons cases.

The grocer noted that facial recognition data is only kept as long as necessary for security reasons and is then destroyed, though it declined to specify the exact retention period, citing security concerns. Wegmans also mentioned that it does not share facial recognition data with third parties and that no outside entities have access to the system.

Addressing concerns about bias and fairness, the company said facial recognition serves as “one investigative lead” and that decisions are never based on a single data point.

The issue arises amid a wider debate in New York City about balancing loss prevention and customer privacy. A 2021 city law requires businesses that collect biometric data to post clear notices, but enforcement mainly relies on private legal action. Efforts to further limit biometric surveillance in retail settings have stalled in the City Council.

Wegmans maintained that its objective is straightforward: “Our goal is simple — to keep our stores safe and secure.”

Wegmans Statement on Facial Recognition Technology

At Wegmans, the safety of our customers and employees is a top priority. Like many retailers, we use cameras to help identify individuals who pose a risk to our people, customers, or operation. In a small fraction of our stores, we have deployed cameras equipped with facial recognition technology. In New York City, we comply with local requirements by posting the mandated signage to notify customers about the technology.

This technology is solely used for keeping our stores secure and safe. The data is not, and will not, be used for any other purpose. The system collects facial recognition data and only uses it to identify individuals who have previously been flagged for misconduct. We do not collect information like retinal scans or voice prints. Facial recognition data is retained only as long as necessary for security purposes and then disposed of. For security reasons, we do not disclose the exact retention period, but it aligns with industry standards.

Persons of interest are determined by our asset protection team based on incidents occurring on our property and on a case-by-case basis, by information from law enforcement for criminal or missing persons cases. We do not share facial recognition data with any third parties, nor do any third parties have access to the data.

We understand concerns about fairness and bias in facial recognition systems. We employ a multitude of training and safety measures to help keep people safe. Facial recognition technology serves as one investigative lead for us. We never base our decisions on a single lead alone.

Our goal is simple - to keep our stores safe and secure.