Can You Return Moldy And Spoiled Food To The Grocery Store?

Going to the grocery store, we often assume everything is fresh and ready to eat. But sometimes, you open a package only to be met with an unpleasant surprise: mold. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as improper storage, temperature fluctuations, or exposure to damp environments. So, what happens if you discover mold on food after you've already left the store? Can you still return it?

The answer largely depends on the store's return policy. Many large grocery chains, including Kroger, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods, are understanding when it comes to moldy or spoiled products. For example, Kroger is committed to offering fresh food, stating on its website that "if your produce isn't 100% fresh, we want you to know we'll make it right." They offer multiple ways to handle returns — you can visit the customer service desk or an employee in person, you can call or text their customer service number, or submit a refund request through the mobile app. It typically takes Kroger about a week to process a refund.

Similarly, Trader Joe's has a flexible return policy. Whether it's the unique salad kits or a pack of the Trader Joe's snack that tastes like a Girl Scout Cookie, the company allows customers to return any moldy or spoiled items, as well as products that you're not satisfied with. As with most stores, it's best to return the product as soon as you discover the issue. Bringing the original receipt will help, though if you can't find it, some locations may offer store credit or a refund based on the current price of the product. Other major chains like ALDI, Walmart, and Whole Foods also recognize that food can spoil quickly or prematurely. However, each store has its own time limits for returns. Whole Foods typically allows returns within 30 days, while Walmart offers up to 90 days for a refund.

While you might not always be affected if you eat mold, some types can present more serious issues. According to the USDA, some can cause respiratory issues or allergic responses, while others produce mycotoxins — "poisonous substances that can make you sick." Although mold may not always be visible before purchase, it's still a good idea to examine packages carefully. This is especially important with fresh produce. Mold on food can appear as fuzzy gray or green spots, or sometimes as white specks. Check items in clear jars as well as fresh fruit and vegetables, and if you notice any mold, tell a store manager.

While it's tempting to sniff food to see if it's spoiled, it's not advisable to do so with mold. Since mold is connected to causing respiratory issues, it's safer to avoid sniffing it. Instead, if you do decide to return the item, place it in a paper or plastic bag to dispose of or transport to the store. This way it prevents others from coming in direct contact with it. Also, remember to clean the surfaces the moldy food was in contact with. 

With food recalls becoming more common, it's essential to be cautious when shopping. Since mold thrives in moist environments, you may want to avoid store produce that's been misted, for example. With packaged goods, look for signs of dampness within the wrapping, or any stains. Always check your groceries for any sign of mold, especially before leaving the store, and be aware of the return policy the next time you go shopping.