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AIBU?

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Original poster

No compensation from Tesco for washing powder in my chocolates?

106 replies

StormTreader · 07/12/2017 14:17

So I did some Tesco shopping last night and decided to get some of the mint Thorntons chocolates as they were on for £3.

Started eating them at home, and got a distinct "washing powder" soap taste, a closer look has revealed that what I thought was powdered sugar actually seems to be a tiny amount of strongly-perfumed washing powder, probably spilled at some point and has worked its way in.

Contacted Tesco, and all they will offer is that if I spend my time and petrol driving back to the store, wait in the huge xmas lines for the customer service counter, show them the issue with the product so they can contact their suppliers...they will refund my £3.

AIBU to think that with the time and petrol PLUS the fact my nice treat was ruined (and I was worrying and googling exactly how poisonous washing powder is), that a little bit of a goodwill gesture would not be unreasonable? Even an offer of a £5 voucher would have been something - if I'd wanted the £3 rather than the chocolate, I wouldnt have bought it!

I can see why THEY want to investigate with their supplier so they dont get sued by someone, but Im not sure whats in it for me thats better than just chucking them in the bin and going to Morrisons in future...

OP posts:
ILostItInTheEarlyNineties · 07/12/2017 15:49

I suppose they can't issue Tesco vouchers willy nilly every time someone phones with a complaint about a product.
If you were of questionable morals, you could really cash in otherwise, claiming rogue items in your groceries on a weekly basis.

NameChanger22 · 07/12/2017 15:50

I think you should contact Thorntons. How could washing powder get through cardboard?

Changebagsandgladrags · 07/12/2017 15:50

Put it on their Facebook page...

DailyMaileatmyshit · 07/12/2017 15:51

I once had loads (as in hundreds) of those tiny black flies in the broccoli of a readymeal - I only noticed once I'd taken a bite Envy

ThymeLord · 07/12/2017 15:51

Gak? Does that mean that you disapprove of the abbreviations I used?

I was just being lighthearted but don't let that get in the way of you feeling superior about my choice of words.

SimplyNigella · 07/12/2017 15:53

Shop with Ocado instead. If you have an issue with your delivery you tell them about it online and get a refund the same day, no problems.

ny20005 · 07/12/2017 15:54

I wouldn't get your hopes up - Tesco does not compensate

A few years ago we ordered 2 tablets for kids Christmas. Low & behold, one didn't work when we went to charge it on Christmas Eve

1 gutted wee boy on Christmas morning & all we got was £5 voucher 🙄

DailyMaileatmyshit · 07/12/2017 15:54

namechanger I can imagine the scenario quite easily - there's gaps between the bottom half of the box and the top half of the about the thickness of a ruler, easy for a few particles to make their way in, especially if the chocolates were stored on their side on the crate.

Who knows how many other boxes have been contaminated, unsuspecting people giveing Aunty Ethel a box of thorntons for Christmas whose eyesight and taste buds aren't what they used to be. Could be disastrous.

GoOnThenAgain · 07/12/2017 15:55

Just how much "compo" are you after?

Considered going on Jeremy Kyle?

Bellybootcut · 07/12/2017 16:01

Can't believe someone above suggested going to the CEO.

Just return them next time you are there. No need for this drama.

RedForFilth · 07/12/2017 16:02

You keep saying the had a was unbearable after a few. I don't understand how you wouldn't have noticed after one bite? Yabu for buying Thorntons chocolates anyway, they're awful!

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 07/12/2017 16:05

I got a refund and a £20 voucher from Tesco when I complained their Finest sausages were running with fat. I did take them back to the store though. I think you’re more likely to get something if you stand in front of a queue.

Deathraystare · 07/12/2017 16:05

Thank goodness you did not wrap them as a Christmas gift! Can you imagine??!!

buttercupmeadow · 07/12/2017 16:08

My local big Tesco has an awful sewage smell near the entrance. You smell it inside the store too, where their cafe is. They've always had this sewage problem but never done anything about it. It's vile.

Findingdotty · 07/12/2017 16:16

Thorntons are much better to deal with. I had a problem with a box of caramel shortbreads made by Thorntons. One of them looked half eaten although I hope they were just squashed and malformed during production somehow. I emailed with pictures and an explaination and they sent me a £5 voucher.

Twitter is quite good for getting prompt responses from companies.

Original poster
StormTreader · 07/12/2017 16:18

"Thank goodness you did not wrap them as a Christmas gift! Can you imagine??!!"

I did actually buy different chocolates as a gift, I'm going to check when I get home if they are fully-wrapped as if the whole shelf was where it happened then they will be possibly compromised as well and I'll be buying a new box from elsewhere.

OP posts:
Original poster
StormTreader · 07/12/2017 16:21

"You keep saying the had a was unbearable after a few. I don't understand how you wouldn't have noticed after one bite?"

It was a cumulative taste and a tiny amount of powder - they are strongly mint-flavoured and I was watching TV. After a few I started to think there was a strange aftertaste but assumed I imagined it. A few more and the taste was stronger, and thats when I had a really close look at what I had thought was sugar and smelled the chemical floral smell. I could smell it on my hands as well by then.

OP posts:
Original poster
StormTreader · 07/12/2017 16:25

"Just how much "compo" are you after?

Considered going on Jeremy Kyle?"

Oh I reckon a few million should do, our Waynetta could do with a new pair of right bangin' trainers Xmas Grin

OP posts:
charliebear78 · 07/12/2017 16:27

Agreed Thortons are vile!
I found a snail in my bag of Tesco Salad-rung them and they sent someone out to collect the unopened bag and then I was given a £10 voucher as a goodwill gesture!

Naty1 · 07/12/2017 16:28

I think they should take this more seriously as
its poisonous
Could be in multiple boxes
Could have been put in there on purpose

PersianCatLady · 07/12/2017 16:29

Why would you get compensation for a faulty tablet?

You got a £5 voucher and a refund, why would you get anything else?

Same with the chocolates, as long as you get your refund then why would you get anything else?

It makes me sad how people seem to think they have been hard done by when there is no harm or damage done and they get their money back

RebeccaBunch · 07/12/2017 16:32

Tesco seriously do not give a shit about washing powder in your chocolates.

soupforbrains · 07/12/2017 16:34

How did you contact Tesco?

Try Twitter if you haven't already.

PersianCatLady · 07/12/2017 16:38

Some PPs have mentioned getting goodwill vouchers or money from Tesco but they are under no obligation to do so.

Unfortunately nowadays people expect compensation for every little thing and confuse goodwill gestures with compensation.

I just had to read the post again about the tablets and the "only getting £5", I still can't believe that the attitude isn't more like "they dealt with my refund swiftly and even gave me an extra £5 voucher as well"

ny20005 · 07/12/2017 16:38

@PersianCatLady

My child's Christmas was ruined because someone didn't quality check that a Tesco tablet wasn't working 🙄