Common myth debunked after a Woolworths shopper stumbles across a ‘disgusting’ buy
- Replies 23
One Woolworths shopper was not exactly delighted by the ‘surprise’ that came with his purchase – and he shared his frustration in a social media post that later on made the rounds.
James Hiley vowed to boycott the supermarket giant after being sold an ‘utterly disgusting’ pear. However, an expert jumped in on the discussion to defend Woolworths, urging customers to have confidence in supermarkets' fresh produce.
The fruit, which was bought at the Neutral Bay store on Sunday, seemed fresh and edible at first glance but when James Hiley’s wife cut it open, the ghastly sight made her scream in horror.
‘The inside of the pear was dark brown, soft, and mouldy,' James described. ‘Due to shock and horror at the sight, we threw the pear out immediately.’
James confronted Woolworths by posting a complaint directly on their Facebook page.
‘I purchased fresh pears from Neutral Bay Woolworths yesterday. Utterly disgusting and a genuine health and safety concern. How old must this pear be?’ he wrote.
‘This just goes to show how chemical modification can ensure a ‘fresh’ exterior is maintained whilst the genuine ‘health’ below the surface tells the true story. Horrifying to think how these foods are affecting people's long-term health.’ he continued.
James was mortified by the ‘disgusting’ pear that he bought from Woolies. Source: Yahoo! News
But an expert in Food and Agribusiness weighed in on the disgruntled customer’s claims, explaining that it was likely due to internal fungal rot and not a result of modern practices such as chemical modification.
According to Good Fruit Grower, an internal fungal rot begins to develop while the fruit is on the tree. It’s typically caused by ‘Alternaria’ and other species of fungi, which enter the fruit and thrive in the seed cavity.
Spongy brown flesh may spread from the core but the rotting can not be discerned from the exterior of the fruit. Usually, the fruit might drop from the tree prematurely when they acquire this.
‘It’s pretty common but I can’t make a proper diagnosis from just a picture,’ Dr Kim-Yen Phan-Thien from Sydney University said.
‘Consumers don’t see it often because rotten fruit is typically waded out before it gets to the stores.’
Internal fungal rot in citrus. Source: Wiley Online Library
Dr Phan-Thien added that there are several misconceptions about the practices used to maximise the shelf-life of fresh produce sold in major supermarkets.
‘Refrigeration is a form of preservation and apples might be waxed to prevent moisture loss,’ she said.
‘There may be chemicals used to inhibit or reduce the risk of disease–depending on the type of fruit–but they are approved for use and are safe for consumption.’
She said Australia’s horticultural industry manages the quality and safety of produce 'very well' and serious issues rarely pop up.
A spokesperson for Woolworths acknowledged the concern raised and stated that it takes such reports seriously.
‘We take food quality seriously and are disappointed to receive this customer’s report,’ the spokesperson said.
‘We’ve passed this onto our supply partners for their awareness, and haven’t received any other reports on similar products at this time. If ever our customers are disappointed with the quality of one of our products, we’d encourage them to contact their local store for a replacement and refund.’
The supermarket giant speculated that the recent heavy rain may have contributed to the pear's state.
What are your thoughts on this story? Did Woolworths deserve the backlash from the shopper or was he a little out of line? Let us know in the comments below!
James Hiley vowed to boycott the supermarket giant after being sold an ‘utterly disgusting’ pear. However, an expert jumped in on the discussion to defend Woolworths, urging customers to have confidence in supermarkets' fresh produce.
The fruit, which was bought at the Neutral Bay store on Sunday, seemed fresh and edible at first glance but when James Hiley’s wife cut it open, the ghastly sight made her scream in horror.
‘The inside of the pear was dark brown, soft, and mouldy,' James described. ‘Due to shock and horror at the sight, we threw the pear out immediately.’
James confronted Woolworths by posting a complaint directly on their Facebook page.
‘I purchased fresh pears from Neutral Bay Woolworths yesterday. Utterly disgusting and a genuine health and safety concern. How old must this pear be?’ he wrote.
‘This just goes to show how chemical modification can ensure a ‘fresh’ exterior is maintained whilst the genuine ‘health’ below the surface tells the true story. Horrifying to think how these foods are affecting people's long-term health.’ he continued.
James was mortified by the ‘disgusting’ pear that he bought from Woolies. Source: Yahoo! News
But an expert in Food and Agribusiness weighed in on the disgruntled customer’s claims, explaining that it was likely due to internal fungal rot and not a result of modern practices such as chemical modification.
According to Good Fruit Grower, an internal fungal rot begins to develop while the fruit is on the tree. It’s typically caused by ‘Alternaria’ and other species of fungi, which enter the fruit and thrive in the seed cavity.
Spongy brown flesh may spread from the core but the rotting can not be discerned from the exterior of the fruit. Usually, the fruit might drop from the tree prematurely when they acquire this.
‘It’s pretty common but I can’t make a proper diagnosis from just a picture,’ Dr Kim-Yen Phan-Thien from Sydney University said.
‘Consumers don’t see it often because rotten fruit is typically waded out before it gets to the stores.’
Internal fungal rot in citrus. Source: Wiley Online Library
Dr Phan-Thien added that there are several misconceptions about the practices used to maximise the shelf-life of fresh produce sold in major supermarkets.
‘Refrigeration is a form of preservation and apples might be waxed to prevent moisture loss,’ she said.
‘There may be chemicals used to inhibit or reduce the risk of disease–depending on the type of fruit–but they are approved for use and are safe for consumption.’
She said Australia’s horticultural industry manages the quality and safety of produce 'very well' and serious issues rarely pop up.
A spokesperson for Woolworths acknowledged the concern raised and stated that it takes such reports seriously.
‘We take food quality seriously and are disappointed to receive this customer’s report,’ the spokesperson said.
‘We’ve passed this onto our supply partners for their awareness, and haven’t received any other reports on similar products at this time. If ever our customers are disappointed with the quality of one of our products, we’d encourage them to contact their local store for a replacement and refund.’
The supermarket giant speculated that the recent heavy rain may have contributed to the pear's state.
What are your thoughts on this story? Did Woolworths deserve the backlash from the shopper or was he a little out of line? Let us know in the comments below!
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