When mentioning quality over quantity, one that fits this phrase includes food products. Several consumers voiced their concern and disappointment about some local supermarkets and departmental stores selling fruit that is not edible.
“There is a particular departmental store which I used to frequently shop. But after several incidents, I have stopped frequenting the store,” said Hanie.
She and her husband enjoy eating fresh fruits in the evenings, hence they always keep a stock of fruits at home.
“Obviously the lowered prices drew our attention. Once I reached home and while washing the fruits before storing in the fridge, I always found a bad fruit, especially when purchasing apples. This has been a frequent occurrence so it cannot be said it is accidental,” she said.
Khaty is another unhappy consumer who encountered a similar situation when buying fruits to make her morning juices. “To me it seems it is a rule of the supermarket to not throw away almost bad fruits but instead add one to each pack. The fruit are sold at a lower price.
We as customers by them and only realise they cannot be consumed when we try to eat it at home,” she said.
After her many experiences of getting an apple with a cotton-like texture which did not taste well after juicing, she has made it a point to check the displayed food packets before choosing by pressing on each fruit to avoid getting the same experience all over again.
Meanwhile, Mohaimin said there have also been incidents where on the outside the fruit looks fresh and appealing or the tag states sweet orange or apples, but it turns out to be not as stated.
He added; “I once read that coded fruits beginning with number four are actually GMO (genetically modified organism) and those starting with number three are of the organic kind, but are chemically processed. I don’t know how true this is but ever since that, I have always made it a point to check for the code number, just to be safe.”
Another concerning issue is expired bread found at supermarket shelves.
“Ever since my family suffered from food poisoning, I have been very careful when buying food items at supermarkets, especially bread. There have been instances where I have found expired bread and other products still on shelves,” said a customer.
He said what was more disappointing was that when he tried to inform the sales assistant, the staff would grab the expired bread mumbling that the bread still looks fine and was fit for consumption.
This has led him to lecture the staff on the dangers of food poisoning.
Consumers said supermarkets and department stores should offer quality and fresh food items.
They said authorities should increase their inspections to check on the quality of the food items being sold.
“Business owners also need to ensure that food products they sell meet the requirements of the Food Safety and Quality Control Division,” they added. – Lyna Mohamad
