‘Not even for the dog’: ALDI shopper’s mince purchase sparks safety debate

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.


image1.png
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.
 

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .
I only buy mince at the butchers now. I never thought it mattered where I bought it but the butchers meat is definitely much better.
I don`t eat meat, but my Husband did. We always bought bulk meat from the Butcher. If people stop using them, then the Supermarkets have the upper hand. When I have bought meat now, when looking after my Great Granddaughter, I always use the local butcher. I also buy extra so when the Parents come home there is meat in the fridge for their dinner.
 
I don`t eat meat, but my Husband did. We always bought bulk meat from the Butcher. If people stop using them, then the Supermarkets have the upper hand. When I have bought meat now, when looking after my Great Granddaughter, I always use the local butcher. I also buy extra so when the Parents come home there is meat in the fridge for their dinner.
The local butcher now has to compete with the big supermarkets buying power. They can't price match, so they offer far superior quality.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sherril54
All minced ( and other meats) are treated with a chemical to make it look fresh as ground meat goes grey very quickly. I would add this mince was possibly less treated and had less chemicals!!!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sherril54
IT's the same at woollies and coles
Yes I find for some reason the rump round clean steaks that are pricey but recommended for hubby and my needs are constantly brown in the packaging.I go through a dozen before I find a red one.The Coles can see this is happening and consequently thow most out as people avoid them,yet it's the same every week
Is us the closeness to the lights on the shelf?No because the cuts of meat next to them are so
So.im.my case won't buy but theillion dollar question why isn't crs asking the same question or put up a sign saying.please not these expensive cuts of meat are in no way impacted by the colour?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sherril54
Last year I purchased Rump Steak form Aldi, it looked fine, it was nice tender & very tasty.
I noticed my two little dogs refused to eat it.
A couple of hours after eating it I developed a dark red rash on my face & felt very unwell.
I later discovered the reaction I had may have been due to Bovaer being fed to cattle.
I emailed Aldi & told them I will never again buy any meat from Ali & I am disgusted that they buy meat from suppliers who supplement their cattle feed with Bovaer which is dangerous to humans & cattle!
I never received a response from Aldi.
I since discovered Aldi, Coles & Woolworths all sell meat with Bovaer in it.
 
Last edited:
Last year I purchased Rump Steak form Aldi, it looked fine, it was nice tender & very tasty.
I noticed my two little dogs refused to eat it.
A couple of hours after eating it I developed a dark red rash on my face & felt very unwell.
I later discovered the reaction I had may have been due to Bovaer being fed to cattle.
I emailed Aldi & told them I will never again buy any meat from Ali & I am disgusted that they buy meat from suppliers who supplement their cattle feed with Bovaer which is dangerous to humans & cattle!
I never received a response from Aldi.
I since discovered Aldi, Coles & Woolworths all sell meat with Bovaer in it.
I’m the same since I found out about Cole’s farmers are using it, I pay extra and buy at the butcher and the young lady even thanked us for supporting them, that’s never happened at the big shops. Oh and the meat was great.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sherril54
I shop at Aldi not for everything as they don’t stock some items that the other two Supermarkets stock.
If I saw some groceries “ covered in mould “ as stated I would take it to the nearest Member of their staff and point it out … better still take a photo.. personally I have not come across any perishables covered in mould.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sherril54
Last year I purchased Rump Steak form Aldi, it looked fine, it was nice tender & very tasty.
I noticed my two little dogs refused to eat it.
A couple of hours after eating it I developed a dark red rash on my face & felt very unwell.
I later discovered the reaction I had may have been due to Bovaer being fed to cattle.
I emailed Aldi & told them I will never again buy any meat from Ali & I am disgusted that they buy meat from suppliers who supplement their cattle feed with Bovaer which is dangerous to humans & cattle!
I never received a response from Aldi.
I since discovered Aldi, Coles & Woolworths all sell meat with Bovaer in it.
It is apparent that you have not done a speck of research on what Bovaer (3-NOP or 3-nitrooxypropanol) is, its uses or debunked claims of being a toxin.

3-NOP does not cause cytotoxicity, genotoxicity or chromosomal damage in humans.

I suspect that you have been listening to the misguided ramblings of the moron known as Craig Kelly, former United Australia Party and Liberal politician, who has been at the centre of many misinformation claims, including COVID-19.

Further reading:- https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6905
 
I was a food inspector for over 30 years and up until the say 1995 it was legal to add Sodium Nitrate or Sodium Dioxide to meat, these chemicals would make the meat look look fresh and keep its colour and it also acted as a preservative. These chemicals have since been banned as there overuse caused severe reactions to humans and some unscrupulous butchers were using them to cover up out of date products like mince and even chicken. ANZFA Food Regulations prohibit the use of chemicals that may be added to meat products that could result in an Allergic reaction or deceive the consumer and therefor mince does discolour from that nice red colour to that dull greyish colour as a matter of ageing, however I have noticed that the supermarkets are leaving their products out longer while they are packing the shelves and it appears that the discolouration is occurring sooner as the longer it is out of refrigeration the greater chance for this has to occur.
 
I stopped buying meat from Aldi for a while now as the plastic cover was domed. I learnt the hard way if the plastic cover is swollen do not buy it's off, well always have been in the past. It would be great if the butchers weren't so expensive.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sherril54
When it is meat i am careful. I would first take it back to Aldi and if nothing was done i would ask my local butcher. I would also place it on social mefia, and report it to consumer affairs. My GP has warned me to be careful with meat. There is no way i would eat it.
Totally agree with you 👍
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sherril54
I agree this can happen at any super market, I had problems with coles and went back and they gave me a refund. Also don`t rely on use by dates check yourself to make sure that the meat or any persishables like dairy is not going to go off, especially on hot days as transportation can affect the safety of food if not kept in proper refrigeration.
 
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!
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×