Short-dated fresh meat - Tesco v Sainsbury’s response

[Applesandjam]

Had an online grocery delivery from Tesco today. One item, fresh chicken, had a use by date of today! It wasn’t reduced or flagged up on the email receipt and I didn’t notice until after the driver had gone and I went to put it in the fridge. Phoned Tesco customer services and immediately got a refund and an apology, saying they will flag it up with the store.

In contrast, earlier this month DH picked up some fresh mince from our nearest Sainsbury’s, which is several miles away (we live out in the sticks) as he was passing on his way home that evening. It also had a use by date of the same day and was full price, not reduced.

Called Sainsbury’s customer services who basically said it was DH’s fault for not noticing the date on the label. No refund offered, they said it was ‘within date’, even though it was around 7pm when he got home.

If either of these items had reduced stickers, then you get a choice to either accept it or look for something else.
If they’re still full price, I feel there’s a bit of a rip-off going on, with stores hoping you don’t notice - like DH! At least Tesco apologised and refunded. Won’t be using that Sainsbury's again in a hurry.

Food doesn’t spontaneously combust at midnight at the date printed on it.

The pack your husband picked up was in date, if you’re not planning on using it immediately put it in the freezer, I honestly can’t see why this is anything to make a fuss about.

They were right. It was your DH's fault. Why should they refund his error? Very different situation with the other supermarket because they were rectifying THEIR error and not your husband's.

Sainsburys were right, when you shop in store its up to you to check and needs or wants you might have.

I’ve found Tesco to be really good about refunding short dates/otherwise not good enough items. I just WhatsApp them.
but your DH has the chance to check the date and didn’t, not Sainsburys fault!

Disagree - it will go off more quickly. Short sell by date meat will be discounted

But your husband picked that one. They’re not responsible for his actions. Completely different scenarios. I’m baffled that you think it’s the same.

The difference here is that one was selected for you and the other was self selected, so the scenarios aren't comparable.

You can't compare. It was your DHs fault for not checking, the other was the supermarkets picker (or their training of picker) for not checking.

Why would the Sainsburys refund the perfectly good product your husband bought? It’s not a rip-off. All the information was there when he selected that pack, and if he wanted a longer date it’s his responsibility to look for that, not the store’s responsibility to flag it any further than printing it on the pack.

Sainsbury's always give me a full refund if they deliver same or next day food items which they haven't flagged. Always.

I agree with others, your dh chose the meat. Blame him.

I agree with others, your dh chose the meat. Blame him.

No need to blame anyone. Just freeze it and get it out when you intend to use it.

Sainsbury's was wrong. If he bought the meat in the morning that's one thing but I assume he bought it at 5pm or later. It would put me off shopping there and it's silly of posters who are saying: "buyer beware".

It's probably the manager because my branch of Sainsbury's is fantastic. Not just about dates on food but by behaving with kindness. The staff are always friendly but there was one special thing.

My mum died and I inherited her cat. I bought loads of food for him because I wanted everything to be good for him to help him settle. I knew it was his favourite but he refused to eat it - perhaps he was missing my mum and didn't like his new home. I took it back hoping but not holding out much hope. I'd actually opened two boxes in case he wanted a different flavour. As I explained to the customer services woman I started to cry. She said: "Please don't cry. I'll take the unopened boxes and check with the manager to see what we can do about the others."

He took them back saying he'd write them off as damaged in store and then gave me a £5 gift card. I know my mum had died and I was crying but if it had been an ordinary mistake I still think they'd have dealt with it as fairly as they could.

Naturally, I emailed head office with their names (I kept his lie about the accidental damage quiet in case it got him into trouble) and would always shop there. Perhaps you can give some calm feedback on your disappointing experience. "

That is such a lovely story @limitedperiodonly , brought a year to my eyes.

Sorry for the loss of your mum 💐. I'm sure it was a great comfort to her that you took her cat.

Sainsburys don’t have to reduce anything regardless of the date on it.
It was 100% down to your husband to check before he got it

DH apologised for his shortcomings and has subscribed to a How to Shop Properly course. He will also update his reading glasses to help with his future shopping experiences.

Passive aggressiveness at its finest.
Well done!

It’s really unreasonable to compare two totally different situations as if they’re the same.

If you get a Sainsbury’s delivery they email you about any short dates, and you can refuse anything you don’t want when it arrives. If they miss anything off the email you can call and get a refund.

Often when we refuse items with short dates the drivers will refund them but then let us keep them.

YABVU.