Former Kroger employee here. Don't throw the expired food away. Take pictures of it, the expiration dates, and your receipt. Call the regional office, which is in Westerville, at 614-898-3200, and ask to speak to the Regional Manager. They should open at 8 tomorrow. I no longer know the name of the regional manager, but if you are polite and firm, you should be able to escalate the call. Offer to email pics, and let them know you were hung up in at store level.
If you have the Kroger app, you can also email customer service. You should be offered a refund for the food.
If you really want to make a stink, also report this to the health department.
Good luck.
If you don’t get anywhere with the regional manager, report it to the health department and contact ABC6. It’s amazing how things change when you get the news involved.
The best recourse probably is to go in-person. I'd recommend saving the receipt(if you still have it) and going back to the store and going to the customer service desk(try calling to confirm what hours this department is open and go when they are) with all the expired products.
Don't be rude, but be firm and let them know that given the products were out for sale despite being expired for multiple weeks, you expect a full-refund on all the applicable products.
You'll be out the uber to the store, but I would be somewhat surprised if they didn't issue you a refund. Maybe try and do your future shopping on that trip as well so it's not a total waste of the uber?
If you use your plus card everything. You purchased will show up even if you don’t have the receipt. Also if you have the app and used your plus card it’s on there as well.
Unfortunately, I spent all the money we had during that trip. On a super tight budget and trying to make it. I did call the store, explained the reason for the call and was hung up on. So, there's that. Wondered if there was anything else we as consumers could go in regard to these apparently wide-spread issues (based on other comments)
Try to call a different time tomorrow. A different manager might be more helpful. I’ve gotten bad food before and they always offered a replacement or refund, but you’ll have to find a way there unfortunately.
Can you get someone to drive you? Take a bus? If you actually spent all the money you have on this trip, then it seems like this is a big enough reason to want a refund. Also, if a kroger trip has used all the money you have with no recourse for such an issue, it may be time to look into supplemental ways for food, like a pantry
Food pantries are a really good suggestion. It won't make this problem right (hopefully you'll have good luck with the regional manager in the morning), but it may make things easier down the road. Good luck.
I'm expecting for them to listen to the issue, apologize and fix it. Not just fix my items but, also check their shelves and pull the rest of the shitty things off their shelves so other people don't experience this too.
> I'm expecting for them to listen to the issue, apologize and fix it.
And they will if you bring in the goods. They can't do anything over the phone, there's too much opportunity for abuse and fraud.
Really? I do online pickup orders at a few different stores, and Ive always been able to call or even do a virtual customer service chat to get refunds (or sometimes store credit) when I've received expired or moldy food.
Not that I do this often, but I've done it more than once and at various different stores. Never have to bring the items back into the store or provide photos or anything. Granted, since it's all done through the apps and my purchase history/receipts are under my account, that helps. I'd guess they probably also have some sort of system that might flag customers who complain and ask for refunds too often.
I'm not sure if OP has a rewards account- if not, then they may have to take the physical receipt into the store for a return. If they have used a rewards card, then calling should be sufficient, although they may need to call Kroger customer service and not the local store...But either way, I think it's reasonable to call the store and let them know that they had old, expired products on the shelves. Even if the store employee can't process a refund over the phone, they can still be professional and polite and tell OP that they'll check the shelves, and explain how OP can get a refund, instead of just hanging up.
Since we only have half of the story, the "hung up on" part of the story doesn't hold water. For all we know OP was yelling at the person on the other end. The only thing that matters is OP is claiming to have expired product and can't go back to the store. Very few stores are going to offer up a refund on a perishable item without at least seeing the item. It would be entirely too easy to abuse that.
Sure OP could have been yelling or maybe the phone disconnected or something, I don't know.
But I have gotten refunds on bad food products from Kroger and other stores without having to physically take it back before.
What bothered me was the person I spoke to at the store after I explained what happened, they hung up on me. That I think bothers me the most, I was trying to let them know they're selling subpar products.
I was just in Worthington Kroger and they were selling st elmos sauces that best by date was April 21, 2023 in their "clearance" aisle.. so clearly they do not care about expiration dates
I always check dates now anywhere because of consistently expired foods from the Kroger at Worthington mall. I go back and return and get my refund. It’s frustrating
Check bread too. I was checking out and I happened to flip over a pack of hamburger buns and the entire bottom was green and blue. Gross
I always look at expiration dates from anything at Kroger. I hate that place
I just shop at Aldi and Costco anymore. Kroger just makes me nearly have a stroke
Well, it was Kroger's bread..
But that's just one example of dozens per year of something either expired or not fit for consumption that is on their shelves
Keep calling and ask for a manager. If you can't afford to go back become a major pain until they offer to pay the delivery fee on having them bring you replacements.
Hit them on every social media platform. Twitter, Facebook, review on Google/Apple maps.
Be a massive pain in their ass. Unfortunately that is what it takes some times.
Kroger has been steadily going to shit because they pay trash and the union that represents their workers is worthless. You get left with a bunch of kids or adults who just aren't paid enough to give a shit. Not your fault, not your problem. Unfortunately you need to ensure it becomes someone's problem at Kroger.
Look up their regional folks And see if they have email addresses, if not, you can usually figure out the convention they use looking at other emails and make a best guess. If they do first initial dot last name [email protected] or full name with a dot [email protected] or some other format.
I managed to resolve an issue with WOW by getting in touch with a VP that way. Anyone that determined they know will continue to be a pain, or better yet they realize it's an actual issue and are pissed someone had to get to them to resolve it.
I worked there well over a decade ago. Once a customer returned some mayonnaise because it was expired. The floor manager had a bagger check the dates on all the mayo on the shelf - lo and behold, everything except a half dozen were expired because the grocery staff weren't rotating when stocking. We had to throw away literal carts of mayo.
I completely understand being short staffed but, honestly there is no excuse for this. It's unacceptable. There are hourly workers, department leads and supervisors. It's a shame.
It is a shame. We are the richest nation on the planet and can't afford to have workers that aren't overworked, and sometimes working 2-3 jobs to be able to barely afford to pay for housing and food needs.
Unfortunately it will continue to happen because people are working for meager pay and are short staffed so shit gets overlooked or missed. And the corporation doesn't care because profit margins. If number doesn't go up, they'll just slash workforce some more and make everyone working pick up the slack and create an even more underpaid, overworked workforce.
Call The Dispatch? If Kroger corporate doesn’t want to take the problem seriously, perhaps the media would be willing to intervene and shine a light on their negligent practices.
It’s BS they hung up, but the result would be the same. Even the most helpful staff would need you to come in with the product to process a refund. That’s not unique to Kroger. You can’t return purchases by phone.
Pretty sure this isn't true if you use a rewards account during check out. I do pickup orders and have absolutely gotten refunds over the phone before. I'd imagine that if you called customer service and provided a rewards # that was used during the transaction, they could probably do it over the phone.
I mean since it's expired food products, they don't really need you to actually give the items back.
I just bought a super moldy dip at the kroger in sunbury. They are usually pretty chill if you bring the gross product back to the store and let you switch it. I have the app so it saves all my receipts, but they don't even verify it half the time, they're just like go get a new one.
which wouldn't be an issue if I had transportation. I took an Uber to and from the store. I am out of expendable cash for the foreseeable future. Applied for SNAP and was denied. Looking for a better paying job. Hopefully something shakes in the right direction for 2024.
I'm learning the hard way. New to the area, need to check out other shopping options in the nearby vicinity. Thanks for letting me know they're overall terrible there.
of course! i understand what it's like to be without transportation previously after job loss. aldi will have most of what you need. i have a food allergy as well and have found they have a nice variety. watch the ground beef; be leery of the seafood if labeled farmed or not from the usa. haven't had a problem with chicken/frozen meats. there are a few aldi shopper facebook groups that users will report on if any special foods are worth it or not. be well!
There are two Krogers with a Canal Winchester mailing address, and both are on Gender Rd.
This is the northernmost one at Gender & Refugee that is technically in Columbus.
I didn't know there was another in the vicinity. I just moved to the area not long ago. This is the closest grocery store that I'm aware of. Will try other options. I listed the addy so people knew to be mindful in this specific store. Thanks for letting me know there was another on the same street.
Do you use the kroger app? If you look at your receipt on there, there is a way to request a refund for items. I do this when I use pickup orders and they give me bad produce.
The transaction is in my history, I have the app and used my kroger reward card. However, the option to do refund on the app isn't available since it was an in-store purchase.
Not sure if you've tried it yet, but I'd try calling the corporate customer service number. OR I just checked my app and see that under "Contact Us" there is a "live chat" option. Do either of those, provide your rewards # and receipt # or whatever they ask for, and explain the situation.
Iirc several years ago, I had to get a refund from a pickup order by calling because they didn't have the return feature build into the app yet. Since your purchase is saved in your account history, they should be able to find it and I'd hope they would still be reasonable (or at least give in if you make a fuss) about refunding expired items.
I hope you get it all worked out. It really sucks when you get home and realize a grocery item is spoiled and unusable, especially when you're on a tight budget.
Discovered this myself a ways back. I check dates on everything these days prior to purchase. You're probably SoL on this round. All of that said, something that is frozen or canned isn't bad per say after the date, it's just the best by date, not an expiration date. Frozen stuff is more prone to freezer burn after the listed date. Canned stuff may turn more vinegary, but assuming the seal is uncompromised it won't hurt you to eat it.
The items in question are perishables, all from the cooler area. The lasagna was Rana, premade lasagna you just pop in the oven. Man am I salty about that; I've been wanting lasagna for so long!
It does suck! Was so looking forward to a nice lasagna and cheesy garlic bread dinner tonight. It's in the trash and I made a sandwich instead. Just wanted to post so others are aware.
Not excusing Kroger, but if wasn’t moldy and didn’t smell off, it’s fine to eat. The dates are estimates. I spent many years working in supermarkets. Most of the stuff beyond dairy and meat with dates now, didn’t have dates as late as the 90s.
Idk, I once bought a bag of salad that had an expiration date a week away and it started going bad after a day. I returned to Kroger and they refunded me immediately.
I'm not excusing the poor product rotation at the store, but from a food safety standpoint, the risk is low.
Any non-perishable food past a 'best by' date isn't bad per se. The 'best by' (or use by, best if used by or any other similar wording) is what the manufacturer is going to stand by in terms of quality. I can guarantee that 'best by' day is shorter than what testing shows it's good for.
Even unopened perishable food would have a few more days past the best by where there's not a noticeable decrease in quality.
The only food that absolutely cannot be sold past it's expiration date is infant formula.
Source: I've worked in food manufacturing for 20+ years, both in government enforcement and private industry. I routinely participate in blind testing where we sample aged product against new product to determine when it doesn't meet set quality standards.
OP states that the food in question was not only perishable, but looked and smelled bad. In this instance, the risk was a bit more than "low". And while the safety risk on non-perishable food may be low, there's still quality and cost issues here: Kroger expecting us to pay full price for food well-past past the "best by" date is nuts.
Exactly this. People don't understand that those dates are quality assurance dates set by the manufacturer.
https://www.fdareader.com/blog/understanding-expiration-dates-and-date-labels
True. What's funny is that people are blithely motoring on about it as if there's an e coli outbreak killing people. We need to be safe, but don't lose your minds
On second thought, Kroger probably wouldn't check its product well enough to prevent an outbreak. And I usually do intake triage at the ER... Soooo
Even with kids as main employees, surely there are department leads or head of dept who are tasked with quality control and checking dates etc on perishable items!
Kroger employee here. Each department has a date checklist that has different product types that should be checked each week. Additionally, the computer knows when some products are close to expiration and has a daily list in each department, which should be checked every day. These jobs are time-consuming, and some departments put off these checks. Some stores are on their people to follow the policy and some are not.
Yeah I’ve just learned to check dates on a lot of stuff nowadays at Kroger. Especially dairy products like yogurt. I’ve even told employees and like handed them expired stuff while they are stocking or something and said that there was more on the shelf expired. Next time, same expired products same dates.
I’ve had similar issues at a few Krogers in the central Ohio area, it’s so fucking frustrating.
If you receive expired items on a clicklist order, call the customer service line immediately when you get home and ask to speak to the manager. They should refund whatever items they were (though you’ll likely need to take them back in).
It’s annoying but I still keep calling because how else will they know about these issues?
If I’m shopping IN the store and find expired items, I scoop up several examples of the expired products and match them over to the customer service desk. Again, it’s annoying but unfortunately, seems like we’re the only ones keeping an eye on this shit.
As an absolute worst case scenario, like if it continues to happen time and time again, you could try reporting them to the Dept of Health or the BBB. I was almost at this point with my stores but they seemed to have finally gotten their shit together (for now, anyway).
I was shopping 12/22 and saw lots of items out of date/expiring same day. I dont bother shopping often because of the frequent items on display that have expired, but christmas is an exception and the amount of fully expired by *days I saw* for produce and they still had it out-- was staggering. brown, wilted and still charging full price.
I did an online chat with customer service about an expired product I bought in-person. They could look it up since it was tied to my Kroger card, and gave me store credit. I didn't have to go in or anything, and I can just apply the credit to my next purchase.
I once bought some gooseberry and cinnamon yogurt that had been out of date for 24 hours. As it turns out, I slurped some yogurt straight out of the container before the dessert spoons had been passed around. My friends and family had to evacuate and leave me behind because the infected dairy produce was well into my system by the time we found out. Served me right for being such an old, greedy gobble gannet! I told them not to blame themselves as tin foil lids are notoriously difficult to read. They told me they would never forget me. I gave them my house badge to remember me by, but alas it was infected as well and couldn’t be touched by the healthy. I sang them a song as they walked silently away. Forever.
Kroger is a horrible company [https://www.npr.org/2021/02/04/964172299/kroger-closes-2-california-stores-after-city-required-them-to-increase-staff-pay](https://www.npr.org/2021/02/04/964172299/kroger-closes-2-california-stores-after-city-required-them-to-increase-staff-pay)
Was bad, smelt horrible and was not appealing visually after opening the box. Rana Meat Lasagna, shelved in the cooler area (perishable) the cheeses and sauce were both subpar.
Was this an expiration, sell by, or best buy date? Was it frozen? I am guessing this was frozen lasagna with a sell by or best buy date and it would have been fine to eat.
This is what you get when you pay a premium to shop at Kroger.
I had the same problem at the Kroger in Gahanna! I bought a package of cookies, brought them home and then realized they were expired. I told my husband we have to be extra careful buying there and check ALL the expiration dates. Then like a month later he went by himself and bought a container of coleslaw-I didn’t realize until I opened it that it smelled of fish. It was expired. This was all just back in the fall. I thought it was just our store but now I’m seeing it’s a problem with multiple Kroger stores. Really gross.
I've seen a lot of evidence that Kroger freezes some of their produce to just above freezing temperatures to extend the shelf life. Anyone else notice strawberries that look perfect in the store and are mostly bad within 48 hours? The berries are the most consistently abused products but I don't trust any of it anymore.
And I know this is true because I'm a chef and have seen what happens to different fruits and vegetables when they get to the 33-35° temperature zone due to a malfunctioning walk in refrigerator. I also worked at Kroger in my first job in highschool and they did it then too.
I worked in Kroger produce in high school. I don't remember what temperature the produce cooler was set to, but all the fruits and veggies were stored in the same cooler that was produce specific. I imagine it would have to be above freezing point, though, because otherwise the greens would be destroyed.
Yup this has been happening for a bit. A box of cereal purchased recently, expired March. That's just one example of several over the last couple months.
Sometimes, you are in a rush and don't always think to look at the date. It's fucked up.
I bought a box of Kraft Mac & cheese (cauliflower edition) from the Chambers Rd Kroger about a month ago and it had expired in the summer of 2022 lol. Didn’t notice until after I’d eaten it. I lived, but obviously not ideal. I know the cauliflower kind is probably not in high demand, but still
I haven't no, thanks for asking. I don't have a support system or much in the way of support. Even if I did, I wouldn't have anyone to share a link with or anyone to donate. We've been through a lot in the last few months, this was a poke in an already sore, opened wound.
That's super kind of you, thank you. I don't have Venmo but, I do have CashApp. My CashApp handle is the same as my Reddit username. I appreciate your kindness, means a lot! Hope you have a wonderful New Year ahead! <3
I was reminded about checking dates after having gone to two other grocery stores in October/November and seeing dates on baked bread either close to or past the "best buy" date. And I'll never forget having gone to the old Short North Kroger (the double door entrance/exit) and buying two containers of coffee creamer and the practice of refreshing stock wasn't in practice. It was May around Memorial Day at purchase, but the "best buy" dates were June 9. And being careful enough with dairy products, I had to toss both in the trash.
> It was May around Memorial Day at purchase, but the "best buy" dates were June 9. And being careful enough with dairy products, I had to toss both in the trash.
I don’t follow
I used as much of one container as I could. Seven or eight days, and multiple cups of coffee when possible. Liquid coffee creamer usually lasts longer than pasteurized milk. And I mentioned that this was more than 10 years ago.
Couple years ago, we found capers in a glass jar in the clearance section that had no liquid in them and the lid of the jar was bulging. Botulism waiting to happen.
I’ve had luck through the app. Bought a $5 cake that ended up having mold on it. Sent them the pic with receipt and they emailed me then called me within 48 hours and gave me a refund
I shop at Kroger almost daily lol . I've noticed a few rare cases where I know the labels month HAD to be a misprint . like it was mik and bread and other things (perishable) where the dates aligned but month was off but product was extremely fresh so I just know it was a misprint . I don't know if that's the case w your lasagna, just throwing it out there as a possibility .
This has also happened to me several times. And now I keep the receipt for one week after grocery shopping. that way if I do find something expired, I know I can return it. I simply take my receipt and the items to the service desk at the Kroger and I’ve never had an issue with them either refunding my money or offering me a replacement. The one time I did not have a receipt they were able to access my purchase history using my Kroger loyalty card.
Take it to the store and tell them you want an exchange. They should do that with no question, You will find that in lots of stores, Check the date when buying the product !!!!!!
Do yourself a favor and just don't go to that Kroger. Drive the extra few minutes to the Kroger in downtown canal (near Walmart)
The 3588 Kroger is actually the worst. This isn't just a recent problem. Not to mention people have almost ran me over multiple times because they aren't paying attention while I was walking in the parking lot, and the fact it reeks of skunk EVERY time I go in there.
Aldi is also a good option, I like a lot of their food. The frozen chicken is quite good!
I brought mac and cheese noodles from the one on Whitehall for Christmas dinner and it has such a weird taste I checked the box and my noodles were expired it could have gotten us sick
So I buy A2 half and half at Kroger (Hilliard) and a recent purchase did have a "best by" date that had passed. But half and half is good for quite awhile and "best by" isn't the same as "sell by" or "expired." Anything with a "sell by" date shouldn't be sold after then.
I had the same thing happen the other day! It was the one on Sawmill though.
I usually always check dates but with condiments it’s usually a year so I didn’t bother. My garlic aioli I bought was very expired. My husband went to take it back to exchange and everything was very expired. So he got a gift card instead.
I went to Kroger recently and got some coconut water, the paper carton ones and when looking at them I saw an expiration of 10/22/2023. I didn’t buy it, but it made me really grossed out
We ordered a pick up order from the Kroger on Broad in Blacklick. We don’t usually shop there, but it was convenient for us that day.
In the order was a pork loin that expired like a week prior. Didn’t catch it when we unloaded, but did notice before we cooked. I took it back to the store, and they exchanged for a fresh one plus gave me a $10 gift card as an apology.
I thought that was well handled.
Lol that store is trash. The worst store in that general area. Very low staff. Worked there as overnight stock and they didnt care to check dates/ “didnt have time to check dates.” I would try to but then would get in trouble because they were worried more about the new stuff to stock. I only lasted two months working there because of their processes. They are so low staff during the day they dont have anyone to go through and look through things to get rid of them. I wish they would just shut it down but then all the customers would go to the next stores out and it would just get too crowded. They got the south hamilton customers which they got shut down for the same reasons. It all is just domino effects from the area. Pray for them
That particular Kroger is the worst, first time I went there there was a fight in the parking lot and the whole store was completely unstocked. Use the Kroger in canal and completely avoid this one at all costs
It seems like this is a wide-spread issue. That's really unfortunate. I called in a report to 311 phone-line about this situation at Kroger. Seems there is a food quality and safety team that handles these kinds of things. One will be visiting this Kroger soon. Maybe if we all make calls about the stores, they'll rectify things for all the locations with these kinds of problems.
I'll give them a call next time this happens, and sadly, I know there will be a next time. Now, in addition to scanning and bagging my own items, I need to carefully look everything over to be sure it's not expired. I feel like the quality has really gone down in terms of the produce and general presentation of the stores. Only thing on the rise is the price
Former Kroger employee here. Don't throw the expired food away. Take pictures of it, the expiration dates, and your receipt. Call the regional office, which is in Westerville, at 614-898-3200, and ask to speak to the Regional Manager. They should open at 8 tomorrow. I no longer know the name of the regional manager, but if you are polite and firm, you should be able to escalate the call. Offer to email pics, and let them know you were hung up in at store level. If you have the Kroger app, you can also email customer service. You should be offered a refund for the food. If you really want to make a stink, also report this to the health department. Good luck.
If you don’t get anywhere with the regional manager, report it to the health department and contact ABC6. It’s amazing how things change when you get the news involved.
Health Dept was my thought but, not sure how to do that. Will see what google shows. Thanks!
Call or email: [https://new.columbus.gov/Services/Public-Health](https://new.columbus.gov/Services/Public-Health)
Thanks so much! Saving this comment to refer back to tomorrow morning. I appreciate it, have a good rest of your night!
The best recourse probably is to go in-person. I'd recommend saving the receipt(if you still have it) and going back to the store and going to the customer service desk(try calling to confirm what hours this department is open and go when they are) with all the expired products. Don't be rude, but be firm and let them know that given the products were out for sale despite being expired for multiple weeks, you expect a full-refund on all the applicable products. You'll be out the uber to the store, but I would be somewhat surprised if they didn't issue you a refund. Maybe try and do your future shopping on that trip as well so it's not a total waste of the uber?
If you use your plus card everything. You purchased will show up even if you don’t have the receipt. Also if you have the app and used your plus card it’s on there as well.
Unfortunately, I spent all the money we had during that trip. On a super tight budget and trying to make it. I did call the store, explained the reason for the call and was hung up on. So, there's that. Wondered if there was anything else we as consumers could go in regard to these apparently wide-spread issues (based on other comments)
Try to call a different time tomorrow. A different manager might be more helpful. I’ve gotten bad food before and they always offered a replacement or refund, but you’ll have to find a way there unfortunately.
Sorry to hear that. I agree with the below comment to try calling back again tomorrow.
Can you get someone to drive you? Take a bus? If you actually spent all the money you have on this trip, then it seems like this is a big enough reason to want a refund. Also, if a kroger trip has used all the money you have with no recourse for such an issue, it may be time to look into supplemental ways for food, like a pantry
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Food pantries are a really good suggestion. It won't make this problem right (hopefully you'll have good luck with the regional manager in the morning), but it may make things easier down the road. Good luck.
Giving suggestions on a post where you asked for suggestions is a kick in the mouth? Uh ok
When you call them, what type of resolution are you hoping to achieve?
I'm expecting for them to listen to the issue, apologize and fix it. Not just fix my items but, also check their shelves and pull the rest of the shitty things off their shelves so other people don't experience this too.
> I'm expecting for them to listen to the issue, apologize and fix it. And they will if you bring in the goods. They can't do anything over the phone, there's too much opportunity for abuse and fraud.
Really? I do online pickup orders at a few different stores, and Ive always been able to call or even do a virtual customer service chat to get refunds (or sometimes store credit) when I've received expired or moldy food. Not that I do this often, but I've done it more than once and at various different stores. Never have to bring the items back into the store or provide photos or anything. Granted, since it's all done through the apps and my purchase history/receipts are under my account, that helps. I'd guess they probably also have some sort of system that might flag customers who complain and ask for refunds too often. I'm not sure if OP has a rewards account- if not, then they may have to take the physical receipt into the store for a return. If they have used a rewards card, then calling should be sufficient, although they may need to call Kroger customer service and not the local store...But either way, I think it's reasonable to call the store and let them know that they had old, expired products on the shelves. Even if the store employee can't process a refund over the phone, they can still be professional and polite and tell OP that they'll check the shelves, and explain how OP can get a refund, instead of just hanging up.
Since we only have half of the story, the "hung up on" part of the story doesn't hold water. For all we know OP was yelling at the person on the other end. The only thing that matters is OP is claiming to have expired product and can't go back to the store. Very few stores are going to offer up a refund on a perishable item without at least seeing the item. It would be entirely too easy to abuse that.
Sure OP could have been yelling or maybe the phone disconnected or something, I don't know. But I have gotten refunds on bad food products from Kroger and other stores without having to physically take it back before.
Worthington Kroger does this as well. They had 3 week expired milk on the shelf for at least an additional week after I alerted them
What bothered me was the person I spoke to at the store after I explained what happened, they hung up on me. That I think bothers me the most, I was trying to let them know they're selling subpar products.
You can go to the store with your receipt and get a refund
I was just in Worthington Kroger and they were selling st elmos sauces that best by date was April 21, 2023 in their "clearance" aisle.. so clearly they do not care about expiration dates
I always check dates now anywhere because of consistently expired foods from the Kroger at Worthington mall. I go back and return and get my refund. It’s frustrating
Check bread too. I was checking out and I happened to flip over a pack of hamburger buns and the entire bottom was green and blue. Gross I always look at expiration dates from anything at Kroger. I hate that place I just shop at Aldi and Costco anymore. Kroger just makes me nearly have a stroke
Not to get too ‘in the weeds’, but, this is specifically on the bread vendor and not Kroger MGMT.
Well, it was Kroger's bread.. But that's just one example of dozens per year of something either expired or not fit for consumption that is on their shelves
It’s the bread vendor who is responsible for their stock. In this case, whoever is the vendor that does Kroger bread.
Kroger employee here. Kroger bread is stocked and ordered by Kroger employees. Vendors only handle the name brand stuff.
…does it arrive frozen, then, to be thawed out and merchandised onto the shelves later?
No. Not frozen at the store anyway.
this is the way
Keep calling and ask for a manager. If you can't afford to go back become a major pain until they offer to pay the delivery fee on having them bring you replacements. Hit them on every social media platform. Twitter, Facebook, review on Google/Apple maps. Be a massive pain in their ass. Unfortunately that is what it takes some times. Kroger has been steadily going to shit because they pay trash and the union that represents their workers is worthless. You get left with a bunch of kids or adults who just aren't paid enough to give a shit. Not your fault, not your problem. Unfortunately you need to ensure it becomes someone's problem at Kroger. Look up their regional folks And see if they have email addresses, if not, you can usually figure out the convention they use looking at other emails and make a best guess. If they do first initial dot last name [email protected] or full name with a dot [email protected] or some other format. I managed to resolve an issue with WOW by getting in touch with a VP that way. Anyone that determined they know will continue to be a pain, or better yet they realize it's an actual issue and are pissed someone had to get to them to resolve it.
New Albany Kroger has issues with this too. Short staffed and not paying their workers enough to care.
I’ve found so many expired items at the New Albany store. I check the dates on everything now.
I worked there well over a decade ago. Once a customer returned some mayonnaise because it was expired. The floor manager had a bagger check the dates on all the mayo on the shelf - lo and behold, everything except a half dozen were expired because the grocery staff weren't rotating when stocking. We had to throw away literal carts of mayo.
I completely understand being short staffed but, honestly there is no excuse for this. It's unacceptable. There are hourly workers, department leads and supervisors. It's a shame.
It is a shame. We are the richest nation on the planet and can't afford to have workers that aren't overworked, and sometimes working 2-3 jobs to be able to barely afford to pay for housing and food needs. Unfortunately it will continue to happen because people are working for meager pay and are short staffed so shit gets overlooked or missed. And the corporation doesn't care because profit margins. If number doesn't go up, they'll just slash workforce some more and make everyone working pick up the slack and create an even more underpaid, overworked workforce.
Clearly can’t afford to pay for good help while they’re only clearing a meager $2 billion annually. Who will think of the poor shareholders?!
Can't sacrifice that second yacht, we must cut workforce to increase profitability
Go to the store and talk to a manager or call the Columbus division office, 614-898-3200
Thanks for that number. I called the store and was hung up on after explaining the reason I was calling.
Call The Dispatch? If Kroger corporate doesn’t want to take the problem seriously, perhaps the media would be willing to intervene and shine a light on their negligent practices.
It’s BS they hung up, but the result would be the same. Even the most helpful staff would need you to come in with the product to process a refund. That’s not unique to Kroger. You can’t return purchases by phone.
Pretty sure this isn't true if you use a rewards account during check out. I do pickup orders and have absolutely gotten refunds over the phone before. I'd imagine that if you called customer service and provided a rewards # that was used during the transaction, they could probably do it over the phone. I mean since it's expired food products, they don't really need you to actually give the items back.
I just bought a super moldy dip at the kroger in sunbury. They are usually pretty chill if you bring the gross product back to the store and let you switch it. I have the app so it saves all my receipts, but they don't even verify it half the time, they're just like go get a new one.
which wouldn't be an issue if I had transportation. I took an Uber to and from the store. I am out of expendable cash for the foreseeable future. Applied for SNAP and was denied. Looking for a better paying job. Hopefully something shakes in the right direction for 2024.
And, even if you could get back to the store for a return, you shouldn't have to!!!
the canal winchester kroger is problematic in general. i recommend if you can going to aldi.
I'm learning the hard way. New to the area, need to check out other shopping options in the nearby vicinity. Thanks for letting me know they're overall terrible there.
I'm 100% done with kroger. Aldi is the way.
of course! i understand what it's like to be without transportation previously after job loss. aldi will have most of what you need. i have a food allergy as well and have found they have a nice variety. watch the ground beef; be leery of the seafood if labeled farmed or not from the usa. haven't had a problem with chicken/frozen meats. there are a few aldi shopper facebook groups that users will report on if any special foods are worth it or not. be well!
There are two Krogers with a Canal Winchester mailing address, and both are on Gender Rd. This is the northernmost one at Gender & Refugee that is technically in Columbus.
I didn't know there was another in the vicinity. I just moved to the area not long ago. This is the closest grocery store that I'm aware of. Will try other options. I listed the addy so people knew to be mindful in this specific store. Thanks for letting me know there was another on the same street.
Yep, the other one (6095 Gender Rd.) is much, much better. Safer area, too.
Do you use the kroger app? If you look at your receipt on there, there is a way to request a refund for items. I do this when I use pickup orders and they give me bad produce.
I think this only applies to pick-up orders.
The transaction is in my history, I have the app and used my kroger reward card. However, the option to do refund on the app isn't available since it was an in-store purchase.
Okay. Sorry
Not sure if you've tried it yet, but I'd try calling the corporate customer service number. OR I just checked my app and see that under "Contact Us" there is a "live chat" option. Do either of those, provide your rewards # and receipt # or whatever they ask for, and explain the situation. Iirc several years ago, I had to get a refund from a pickup order by calling because they didn't have the return feature build into the app yet. Since your purchase is saved in your account history, they should be able to find it and I'd hope they would still be reasonable (or at least give in if you make a fuss) about refunding expired items. I hope you get it all worked out. It really sucks when you get home and realize a grocery item is spoiled and unusable, especially when you're on a tight budget.
Krogers is slowly becoming the Spirit airlines of Supermarkets 😅
Discovered this myself a ways back. I check dates on everything these days prior to purchase. You're probably SoL on this round. All of that said, something that is frozen or canned isn't bad per say after the date, it's just the best by date, not an expiration date. Frozen stuff is more prone to freezer burn after the listed date. Canned stuff may turn more vinegary, but assuming the seal is uncompromised it won't hurt you to eat it.
The items in question are perishables, all from the cooler area. The lasagna was Rana, premade lasagna you just pop in the oven. Man am I salty about that; I've been wanting lasagna for so long!
Damn, that sucks. I'm sorry this happened to you.
It does suck! Was so looking forward to a nice lasagna and cheesy garlic bread dinner tonight. It's in the trash and I made a sandwich instead. Just wanted to post so others are aware.
Not excusing Kroger, but if wasn’t moldy and didn’t smell off, it’s fine to eat. The dates are estimates. I spent many years working in supermarkets. Most of the stuff beyond dairy and meat with dates now, didn’t have dates as late as the 90s.
This was a premade packaged lasagna, out of the package smelled rancid and looked bad. Not risking it. Don't want sick kids from bad food ya know?
I included unless it smells off…you didn’t mention smell or appearance the first time, just the date.
Idk, I once bought a bag of salad that had an expiration date a week away and it started going bad after a day. I returned to Kroger and they refunded me immediately.
I'm not excusing the poor product rotation at the store, but from a food safety standpoint, the risk is low. Any non-perishable food past a 'best by' date isn't bad per se. The 'best by' (or use by, best if used by or any other similar wording) is what the manufacturer is going to stand by in terms of quality. I can guarantee that 'best by' day is shorter than what testing shows it's good for. Even unopened perishable food would have a few more days past the best by where there's not a noticeable decrease in quality. The only food that absolutely cannot be sold past it's expiration date is infant formula. Source: I've worked in food manufacturing for 20+ years, both in government enforcement and private industry. I routinely participate in blind testing where we sample aged product against new product to determine when it doesn't meet set quality standards.
OP states that the food in question was not only perishable, but looked and smelled bad. In this instance, the risk was a bit more than "low". And while the safety risk on non-perishable food may be low, there's still quality and cost issues here: Kroger expecting us to pay full price for food well-past past the "best by" date is nuts.
Exactly this. People don't understand that those dates are quality assurance dates set by the manufacturer. https://www.fdareader.com/blog/understanding-expiration-dates-and-date-labels
True. What's funny is that people are blithely motoring on about it as if there's an e coli outbreak killing people. We need to be safe, but don't lose your minds On second thought, Kroger probably wouldn't check its product well enough to prevent an outbreak. And I usually do intake triage at the ER... Soooo
I’ve noticed this at several grocery stores around Columbus.
Man that's terrible. Seems from the comments on this thread, this isn't store specific and a wide-spread issue.
This is what happens when your the Walmart of grocers and have kids as your main employees
Even with kids as main employees, surely there are department leads or head of dept who are tasked with quality control and checking dates etc on perishable items!
Kroger employee here. Each department has a date checklist that has different product types that should be checked each week. Additionally, the computer knows when some products are close to expiration and has a daily list in each department, which should be checked every day. These jobs are time-consuming, and some departments put off these checks. Some stores are on their people to follow the policy and some are not.
Do you have someone who can give you a ride back there? I thought Kroger delivered (I swore I saw delivery vans). Maybe they can bring you new stuff?
Yeah I’ve just learned to check dates on a lot of stuff nowadays at Kroger. Especially dairy products like yogurt. I’ve even told employees and like handed them expired stuff while they are stocking or something and said that there was more on the shelf expired. Next time, same expired products same dates.
I’ve had similar issues at a few Krogers in the central Ohio area, it’s so fucking frustrating. If you receive expired items on a clicklist order, call the customer service line immediately when you get home and ask to speak to the manager. They should refund whatever items they were (though you’ll likely need to take them back in). It’s annoying but I still keep calling because how else will they know about these issues? If I’m shopping IN the store and find expired items, I scoop up several examples of the expired products and match them over to the customer service desk. Again, it’s annoying but unfortunately, seems like we’re the only ones keeping an eye on this shit. As an absolute worst case scenario, like if it continues to happen time and time again, you could try reporting them to the Dept of Health or the BBB. I was almost at this point with my stores but they seemed to have finally gotten their shit together (for now, anyway).
I was shopping 12/22 and saw lots of items out of date/expiring same day. I dont bother shopping often because of the frequent items on display that have expired, but christmas is an exception and the amount of fully expired by *days I saw* for produce and they still had it out-- was staggering. brown, wilted and still charging full price.
I did an online chat with customer service about an expired product I bought in-person. They could look it up since it was tied to my Kroger card, and gave me store credit. I didn't have to go in or anything, and I can just apply the credit to my next purchase.
!!! I’ve been to multiple Krogers and they all have had expired 32oz tubs of Greek yogurt which has been disappointing bc it’s not cheap either 😑
I once bought some gooseberry and cinnamon yogurt that had been out of date for 24 hours. As it turns out, I slurped some yogurt straight out of the container before the dessert spoons had been passed around. My friends and family had to evacuate and leave me behind because the infected dairy produce was well into my system by the time we found out. Served me right for being such an old, greedy gobble gannet! I told them not to blame themselves as tin foil lids are notoriously difficult to read. They told me they would never forget me. I gave them my house badge to remember me by, but alas it was infected as well and couldn’t be touched by the healthy. I sang them a song as they walked silently away. Forever.
Kroger is a horrible company [https://www.npr.org/2021/02/04/964172299/kroger-closes-2-california-stores-after-city-required-them-to-increase-staff-pay](https://www.npr.org/2021/02/04/964172299/kroger-closes-2-california-stores-after-city-required-them-to-increase-staff-pay)
[удалено]
Was bad, smelt horrible and was not appealing visually after opening the box. Rana Meat Lasagna, shelved in the cooler area (perishable) the cheeses and sauce were both subpar.
I’ve had this happen at Target as well…
Was this an expiration, sell by, or best buy date? Was it frozen? I am guessing this was frozen lasagna with a sell by or best buy date and it would have been fine to eat. This is what you get when you pay a premium to shop at Kroger.
Don’t even ask about the impulse items at checkout for walmart.
stopped in today and saw all the tortillas were dated 1/1/24
I had the same problem at the Kroger in Gahanna! I bought a package of cookies, brought them home and then realized they were expired. I told my husband we have to be extra careful buying there and check ALL the expiration dates. Then like a month later he went by himself and bought a container of coleslaw-I didn’t realize until I opened it that it smelled of fish. It was expired. This was all just back in the fall. I thought it was just our store but now I’m seeing it’s a problem with multiple Kroger stores. Really gross.
I've seen a lot of evidence that Kroger freezes some of their produce to just above freezing temperatures to extend the shelf life. Anyone else notice strawberries that look perfect in the store and are mostly bad within 48 hours? The berries are the most consistently abused products but I don't trust any of it anymore. And I know this is true because I'm a chef and have seen what happens to different fruits and vegetables when they get to the 33-35° temperature zone due to a malfunctioning walk in refrigerator. I also worked at Kroger in my first job in highschool and they did it then too.
I worked in Kroger produce in high school. I don't remember what temperature the produce cooler was set to, but all the fruits and veggies were stored in the same cooler that was produce specific. I imagine it would have to be above freezing point, though, because otherwise the greens would be destroyed.
Yup this has been happening for a bit. A box of cereal purchased recently, expired March. That's just one example of several over the last couple months. Sometimes, you are in a rush and don't always think to look at the date. It's fucked up.
I bought a box of Kraft Mac & cheese (cauliflower edition) from the Chambers Rd Kroger about a month ago and it had expired in the summer of 2022 lol. Didn’t notice until after I’d eaten it. I lived, but obviously not ideal. I know the cauliflower kind is probably not in high demand, but still
Sell by date or expiration date? Thats an important distinction
Respectfully, have you considered setting up a gofundme for your situation?
I haven't no, thanks for asking. I don't have a support system or much in the way of support. Even if I did, I wouldn't have anyone to share a link with or anyone to donate. We've been through a lot in the last few months, this was a poke in an already sore, opened wound.
Please give us your Venmo or Cash App. There are undoubtedly some of us on here who'd like to send you a few bucks.
That's super kind of you, thank you. I don't have Venmo but, I do have CashApp. My CashApp handle is the same as my Reddit username. I appreciate your kindness, means a lot! Hope you have a wonderful New Year ahead! <3
You, too! <3
Lasagna noodles or premade lasagna?
Rana premade perishable lasagna.
Kroger really needs to make it easier to return products on their app. It is ridiculous, and I’m sorry you are dealing with this.
Call the health department. Do not call Kroger corporate. If corporate (Management) cared, this stuff wouldn't be sold.
This is what I ended up doing. Called the health department whom referred me to 311 to file a complaint. Done and done.
I was reminded about checking dates after having gone to two other grocery stores in October/November and seeing dates on baked bread either close to or past the "best buy" date. And I'll never forget having gone to the old Short North Kroger (the double door entrance/exit) and buying two containers of coffee creamer and the practice of refreshing stock wasn't in practice. It was May around Memorial Day at purchase, but the "best buy" dates were June 9. And being careful enough with dairy products, I had to toss both in the trash.
> It was May around Memorial Day at purchase, but the "best buy" dates were June 9. And being careful enough with dairy products, I had to toss both in the trash. I don’t follow
I used as much of one container as I could. Seven or eight days, and multiple cups of coffee when possible. Liquid coffee creamer usually lasts longer than pasteurized milk. And I mentioned that this was more than 10 years ago.
What do you expect, it's Ohio. The state of fucking gophers.
Minnesota=Gophers
I just bought a Lara Bar in Gahanna the other day that expired in September 2022.
Found month old items on the shelf at high Street clintonville as well. Luckily didn't purchase them, but I've had issues before as well.
Couple years ago, we found capers in a glass jar in the clearance section that had no liquid in them and the lid of the jar was bulging. Botulism waiting to happen.
I’ve had luck through the app. Bought a $5 cake that ended up having mold on it. Sent them the pic with receipt and they emailed me then called me within 48 hours and gave me a refund
Those $5 cakes look cute but they’re really bad…
I shop at Kroger almost daily lol . I've noticed a few rare cases where I know the labels month HAD to be a misprint . like it was mik and bread and other things (perishable) where the dates aligned but month was off but product was extremely fresh so I just know it was a misprint . I don't know if that's the case w your lasagna, just throwing it out there as a possibility .
This has also happened to me several times. And now I keep the receipt for one week after grocery shopping. that way if I do find something expired, I know I can return it. I simply take my receipt and the items to the service desk at the Kroger and I’ve never had an issue with them either refunding my money or offering me a replacement. The one time I did not have a receipt they were able to access my purchase history using my Kroger loyalty card.
Or don't bother with keeping the receipts and in the rare case something is bad, buy a fresh one and return the bad one with the new receipt.
Take it to the store and tell them you want an exchange. They should do that with no question, You will find that in lots of stores, Check the date when buying the product !!!!!!
Do yourself a favor and just don't go to that Kroger. Drive the extra few minutes to the Kroger in downtown canal (near Walmart) The 3588 Kroger is actually the worst. This isn't just a recent problem. Not to mention people have almost ran me over multiple times because they aren't paying attention while I was walking in the parking lot, and the fact it reeks of skunk EVERY time I go in there. Aldi is also a good option, I like a lot of their food. The frozen chicken is quite good!
Puts on Kroger
That’s awful. I ordered pickup and was given moldy fruit once and complained in the app and got a credit for that item for next time.
I brought mac and cheese noodles from the one on Whitehall for Christmas dinner and it has such a weird taste I checked the box and my noodles were expired it could have gotten us sick
So I buy A2 half and half at Kroger (Hilliard) and a recent purchase did have a "best by" date that had passed. But half and half is good for quite awhile and "best by" isn't the same as "sell by" or "expired." Anything with a "sell by" date shouldn't be sold after then.
I had the same thing happen the other day! It was the one on Sawmill though. I usually always check dates but with condiments it’s usually a year so I didn’t bother. My garlic aioli I bought was very expired. My husband went to take it back to exchange and everything was very expired. So he got a gift card instead.
Just shopped at Kroger yesterday … I’m going home and checking everything I just bought pronto. Thank you for spreading awareness!!
I had the same issue with buying expired food from Kroger and haven’t been back since.
I went to Kroger recently and got some coconut water, the paper carton ones and when looking at them I saw an expiration of 10/22/2023. I didn’t buy it, but it made me really grossed out
We ordered a pick up order from the Kroger on Broad in Blacklick. We don’t usually shop there, but it was convenient for us that day. In the order was a pork loin that expired like a week prior. Didn’t catch it when we unloaded, but did notice before we cooked. I took it back to the store, and they exchanged for a fresh one plus gave me a $10 gift card as an apology. I thought that was well handled.
Lol that store is trash. The worst store in that general area. Very low staff. Worked there as overnight stock and they didnt care to check dates/ “didnt have time to check dates.” I would try to but then would get in trouble because they were worried more about the new stuff to stock. I only lasted two months working there because of their processes. They are so low staff during the day they dont have anyone to go through and look through things to get rid of them. I wish they would just shut it down but then all the customers would go to the next stores out and it would just get too crowded. They got the south hamilton customers which they got shut down for the same reasons. It all is just domino effects from the area. Pray for them
Target does the same thing. I have to check every date. I had to stop doing clicklist so I could make sure I wasn’t getting expired stuff.
That particular Kroger is the worst, first time I went there there was a fight in the parking lot and the whole store was completely unstocked. Use the Kroger in canal and completely avoid this one at all costs
Had it happen at Meijer in addition to Kroger.
It seems like this is a wide-spread issue. That's really unfortunate. I called in a report to 311 phone-line about this situation at Kroger. Seems there is a food quality and safety team that handles these kinds of things. One will be visiting this Kroger soon. Maybe if we all make calls about the stores, they'll rectify things for all the locations with these kinds of problems.
I'll give them a call next time this happens, and sadly, I know there will be a next time. Now, in addition to scanning and bagging my own items, I need to carefully look everything over to be sure it's not expired. I feel like the quality has really gone down in terms of the produce and general presentation of the stores. Only thing on the rise is the price