Food safety is something most of us take for granted, especially when it comes to everyday staples.

But sometimes, what should be a routine grocery purchase turns into a cause for concern.

One shopper’s experience with a common household ingredient has sparked debate, with opinions divided on whether it’s a harmless issue or something far more unappetising.

Mince is often seen as a foolproof grocery item—straightforward to buy, easy to cook, and always predictable.

However, one Australian mum had a different experience after purchasing a pack from ALDI, sparking debate over whether her find was cause for concern or just a common occurrence.

She shared a photo of the mince in a social media group, questioning if it was safe to use.

ALDI customers react to unsettling mince find. Image source: Facebook

‘Just brought this! Is it ok to use? The top is fine, this is bottom,’ she wrote.

The image showed that while the top layer appeared normal, the bottom of the mince had turned an unappetising brown colour.

Opinions on the matter were split.

Some shoppers were immediately put off, convinced that the meat was unsafe to eat.

‘Absolutely not. This looks almost par cooked—clearly been exposed to oxygen and warmth,’ one person commented.

‘Nope! Why does it look cooked?’ another asked.

‘I’m pretty casual when it comes to meat but I’d be taking that back,’ someone else wrote.

‘Not even for the dog,’ added another.

Others, however, saw no problem with the discoloured mince, arguing that people were overreacting.

‘If there is no smell and in date it is absolutely fine,’ one person stated.

‘If it doesn’t smell, it’s good,’ another agreed.

‘So many people on here need to do some research before wasting food…’ a third commented.

This wasn’t the first time ALDI shoppers had raised concerns over their mince purchases.

A similar complaint surfaced in the same social media group in May last year, with another shopper posting a photo of discoloured mince.

‘Would you say this meat is off? It doesn’t look a good colour and is still in expiry,’ she asked at the time.

Reactions were just as divided, with some urging her to throw it away while others reassured her it was still safe to eat.

Ultimately, when it comes to food safety, most people agreed on one thing—if in doubt, chuck it out.

In a previous story, shoppers were warned about a troubling scam that has been catching Aussies off guard.

What seems like a great meat deal could actually be costing buyers more than they realise.

Read on to find out how this scam works and how to avoid falling victim.

Key Takeaways

• A shopper’s ALDI mince purchase caused concern after she noticed the bottom had turned brown, sparking debate on whether it was safe to eat.
• Some people insisted the mince was unsafe, pointing to its appearance and possible exposure to warmth, while others argued it was fine if it didn’t smell bad.
• This wasn’t the first time ALDI mince had raised concerns, with a similar complaint appearing in social media discussions last year.
• While opinions remained divided, most people agreed on one thing—if in doubt, chuck it out.

When it comes to food safety, do you trust your instincts or stick strictly to the guidelines? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

 

[Clancieblue]

That’s all and well but have you asked them if they add preservatives and stuff

I haven't seen a line in a butcher for many years. How fresh is it ?

 

[dollymay]

If it doesn't smell I would eat it, I do know that before meat is given to the public it is sprayed with a red dye, which is very bad for you then when people buy the meat it looks nice and pretty and that's all people know, but underneath that dye that is the natural color of the meat,

 

[tqueenie55]

I wonder how hot was outside ? In the 30ths ? How long that shopping, mince, etc, sat in the boot of the car ?
A lot of the story is missing. I look at the expire date first, than look at the colour of the meat, turning the pack to see the bottom colour and if is a hot day, use a cooler and get home Quicky. Just advice, I saq discoloured meat on shelves at other big stores, "W", "c", and I did not buy it.

 

[Kelpie]

I won’t buy meat from Aldi the last time the steak was as tough as old nails and it was rump.

I fully agree with you. My was scotch fillets and even fillets itself and still could not eat it. Tough as nails and the scotch fillets full of gristles. Bloody shocking and IMO unfit for human consumption. And don't waste your time about lodging complaints.
And don't try and ring your store either as there isn't a phone number there. And, if you talk to the store Manager you are also wasting your time because all he said to me was that his job is to make sure that the shelves are filled.

 

[Kelpie]

I grew up on a lot worse than that & survived it!
My kids got much the same (absolutely nothing wasted) - very limited funds in my house when my kids were younger too- even lived on kangaroo meat, which i didn't enjoy (& not much else) for a couple yrs as money was very tight on a single very low income!

Households these days must have too much money!

Good to read from someone which had it hard and appreciated things the way the are. I can vouch for that too.

 

[havingadoggyday]

I wonder how hot was outside ? In the 30ths ? How long that shopping, mince, etc, sat in the boot of the car ?
A lot of the story is missing. I look at the expire date first, than look at the colour of the meat, turning the pack to see the bottom colour and if is a hot day, use a cooler and get home Quicky. Just advice, I saq discoloured meat on shelves at other big stores, "W", "c", and I did not buy it.

I actually had the hide to ask the "butcher"(guy emptying out meat trays from boxes onto shelves)at Coles why their rump.always looks brown except for a few trays.Is it the closeness to the fluro?is it ok?
Answer from said "BUTCHER" DUNNO