Australians are known for our love of fresh, quality produce. Whether it’s a crisp apple, a juicy tomato, or a vibrant bunch of greens, there’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh fruits and vegetables.
But what happens when you get home from the supermarket, eager to enjoy your purchases, only to discover that the produce is not up to scratch? It’s a frustrating experience that can leave you feeling like you’ve wasted your hard-earned money.
Poor quality produce can manifest in various ways: it might be brown and mushy inside, have visible signs of mould, or emit an unpleasant smell.
These are clear indicators that the fruit or vegetable is past its prime. While some imperfections, like a slight blemish or an odd shape, don’t necessarily affect the taste or nutritional value, produce that is significantly damaged or rotting is another story.
According to Associate Professor Stephanie Partridge, a public health researcher from the University of Sydney, consuming bad-quality produce can be a safety risk, especially for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems. Mould, in particular, is a concern and should be avoided.
Sydney food scientist Gary Kennedy assured that most organisms causing produce to spoil are not typically associated with food poisoning.
However, he emphasised the importance of washing produce to remove any dirt or manure that could harbour harmful bacteria.
‘A lot of the bacteria that you find on fruit and vegetables that are going to cause it to rot and go bad are actually not a problem, and if you cook it, it would be fine,’ he explained.
Kennedy said fruits and vegetables should be ‘merchantable quality’.
‘If you open up the tray of fruit and vegetable, and [there are] some good ones on top and underneath, they’re all mouldy, or they’re all sloshed and broken…you’re still within your rights to take it back,’ he said.
Josh Ball, co-founder and CEO of sustainable farming initiative Farmers Pick, said purchasing items currently in season is a great way to guarantee that your produce is fresh and high-quality.
‘If you’re shopping in season, you’re always going to get a better-tasting product, and usually, the best way to spot it is price. Things that are out of season or imported are usually more expensive.’
Under Australian Consumer Law, you’re entitled to a refund or replacement if a product, including fresh produce, has a major fault. If you have subpar fruits or veggies, don’t hesitate to return them to the supermarket.
If you are dissatisfied with the quality, safety, or potential contamination of food, you can contact your regional food regulatory authority or submit a report to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
Have you ever returned produce to the supermarket? What was your experience like? Share your stories in the comments below, and let’s help each other make the most of our grocery shopping.
Also read: Why the change? Shoppers outraged by supermarkets’ moves
