Exhibit 23.1





INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the  incorporation  by  reference in the  Registration  Statements
(Form S-3 No.  333-54998  and  related  Prospectus  and  Forms S-8 No.  2-80776,
33-2139, 33-7901, 33-15062, 33-43635, 33-62799, 33-59803,  333-82157,  333-82161
and 333-87773)  of  Albertson's  Inc.  and  subsidiaries  of  our  report  dated
March 17, 1999 with respect to the consolidated financial statements of American
Stores  Company,  included in the Annual  Report  (Form 10-K) for the year ended
February 1, 2001 of Albertson's Inc. and subsidiaries  filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
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Ernst & Young LLP
Salt Lake City, Utah
April 19, 2001