Woolworths explains 'unacceptable' find on cheese shelf
The customer alleged it was more than just dark marks on the shelf.
Woolworths has offered a simple explanation for what a shopper described as a "disgusting" sight on one of the shelves while doing his grocery shopping over the weekend.
The man was browsing the dairy section at the Capalaba store in Brisbane when he found the shelf seemingly covered in dark marks, dirt and what he thought was mould in a gap between two cheese products.
He posted an image of the shelf online on Saturday to highlight the issue but admitted he didn't notify staff of the shelf's condition, stating instead he shouldn't "need to".
Aussies debate shopper's gripe with supermarket shelf
Many were shocked to see the condition of the shelf and questioned whether this reflected the rest of the store, calling it "unacceptable" given fresh produce was displayed on it.
However others felt the shopper's decision to not notify staff and instead complain about it online wasn't the best course of action, suggesting he should just "get a cloth" and "clean it" himself, deeming it not a big issue worthy of flagging.
"Kevin must be the male form of Karen," one wrote online, while another simply told him to "get over it".
Not mould, says Woolworths
Regardless of the customer's approach the majority of people admitted the shelf was "dirty" and wasn't in the condition they would like to see while doing their shopping.
However, Woolworths has told Yahoo News there was not mould on the supermarket shelf but encouraged shoppers to flag any in store issues when they see them.
"This is simply wet cardboard due to condensation and has been cleaned by the store," a spokesperson said. "Customers who are concerned about anything when doing their shop can always speak to our team members."
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The discovery comes after a Coles shopper found mould on a supermarket shelf in the meat section at the end of last month, with the customer admitting he told staff before subsequently walking out of the store without buying anything. Coles told Yahoo News it was an "isolated situation" and has since been cleaned.
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