New dad's 'disgusting' discovery at Woolworths: "I don't think I'm the only parent who is frustrated by this"

After making an unsettling discovery in a trolley at his neighbourhood Woolworths, a shopper has expressed his annoyance and frustration with the company on social media.

When a father from Victoria went to use one of the store's infant trolleys, he saw that it had been left in a "disgusting" state, and took to Facebook to air his frustrations.

As seen in the photograph taken by the man (pictured below), the baby seats had what appeared to be huge amounts of bird droppings spread across their surfaces.



"Pretty self-explanatory photo, as a new parent this is disgusting!" The customer said in his post, adding that the incident made shopping with a toddler a tremendously more challenging experience.

"It's hard enough to shop with a baby, let alone arrive at the supermarket and realise that you have to carry your child because all of your infant trolleys look like this," he continued.

"It would be nice if you could please resolve this issue because I don't think I'm the only parent who is frustrated by this."

CMtnWHyBusBSpPh6FXqQKO9sYHFqhwC6Ah81S7sNL570Dz9bVHn5OyfCY2YN2O-X1SZVTqnSVcgPmX-Q8AAG1zy56BLitxgeDX3RfWQLrnyXOvTaZ8Z19ZlE5kaEFpNNrrI8-ZeG2S4STVkVLA

It can be seen that the infant strollers are full of droppings from the birds. Credit: Facebook.

Following the widespread attention that the father's post received on social media, a spokesperson for Woolworths has come forward and issued a statement in response to the situation.

"While the majority of our customers return their trolleys properly, it appears this one was left outside in the elements," said the representative for the supermarket.

"We're disappointed in the state of this trolley, but we can assure you that it has been cleaned and disinfected since then. Our teams are committed to maintaining a high level of hygiene and cleaning trolleys on a regular basis."



We here at the SDC love birds, but bird poo? Not so much. Aside from being unsightly, bird droppings can also pose a number of health risks, some of which could be fatal.

Birds may seem like they aren't dangerous, but when you look into the health risks that come from their droppings, they can be pretty scary. Over 60 different diseases have been linked to birds, and that doesn't even count the avian flu.

Members, if you find yourself in a similar situation, please notify authorities directly so that immediate action can be taken!

If you want to learn more about how viruses can spread from one species to another and how they can cause deadly epidemics, check out the video below.



Credit: Ted-Ed.
 
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Pigeons congregate under the roof of the undercover carpark at my Woolies....on the steel beams over the trolley collection point.
The bird droppings are common, but one time, a pigeon had fallen off its perch into a trolley.
When I informed the front desk, I was told it's not their job to clean trolleys.
So I asked if they'd contact an undertaker to remove the dead body out of their trolley.
I said I don't think it was nice to leave it there, to attract vermin and create an odour.
I think, finally, the penny dropped....there was a dead bird in their trolley!
It took 3 hours to be attended to....I had gone to the Library, and was finally gone when I finished my shopping.
They have now installed anti-bird spikes across those steel beams over the trolleys.
 
After making an unsettling discovery in a trolley at his neighbourhood Woolworths, a shopper has expressed his annoyance and frustration with the company on social media.

When a father from Victoria went to use one of the store's infant trolleys, he saw that it had been left in a "disgusting" state, and took to Facebook to air his frustrations.

As seen in the photograph taken by the man (pictured below), the baby seats had what appeared to be huge amounts of bird droppings spread across their surfaces.



"Pretty self-explanatory photo, as a new parent this is disgusting!" The customer said in his post, adding that the incident made shopping with a toddler a tremendously more challenging experience.

"It's hard enough to shop with a baby, let alone arrive at the supermarket and realise that you have to carry your child because all of your infant trolleys look like this," he continued.

"It would be nice if you could please resolve this issue because I don't think I'm the only parent who is frustrated by this."

CMtnWHyBusBSpPh6FXqQKO9sYHFqhwC6Ah81S7sNL570Dz9bVHn5OyfCY2YN2O-X1SZVTqnSVcgPmX-Q8AAG1zy56BLitxgeDX3RfWQLrnyXOvTaZ8Z19ZlE5kaEFpNNrrI8-ZeG2S4STVkVLA

It can be seen that the infant strollers are full of droppings from the birds. Credit: Facebook.

Following the widespread attention that the father's post received on social media, a spokesperson for Woolworths has come forward and issued a statement in response to the situation.

"While the majority of our customers return their trolleys properly, it appears this one was left outside in the elements," said the representative for the supermarket.

"We're disappointed in the state of this trolley, but we can assure you that it has been cleaned and disinfected since then. Our teams are committed to maintaining a high level of hygiene and cleaning trolleys on a regular basis."



We here at the SDC love birds, but bird poo? Not so much. Aside from being unsightly, bird droppings can also pose a number of health risks, some of which could be fatal.

Birds may seem like they aren't dangerous, but when you look into the health risks that come from their droppings, they can be pretty scary. Over 60 different diseases have been linked to birds, and that doesn't even count the avian flu.

Members, if you find yourself in a similar situation, please notify authorities directly so that immediate action can be taken!

If you want to learn more about how viruses can spread from one species to another and how they can cause deadly epidemics, check out the video below.



Credit: Ted-Ed.

I believe the spokesman from Woolworths reacted as could be expected in this situation. I still can't excuse the fact noboby cleaned this before placing it with other trolleys. All too often we see trolleys abandoned anywhere in any shopping Carpark even if a collection bay or bays are provided. Isn't this human nature, can't be bothered walking the extra 15 or 20 steps to place a trolley in an allocated bay? I have lost count of the number of times I've seen a trolley abandoned just metres from a supermarket doorway. I think the reply from Jay Jay takes the cake though with the front desk staff who didn't want to know about the problem with their trolley until they realized a dead bird was in one of their trolleys. All too often l don't think staff know how to respond to problems because it is new to them. Common sense should prevail. 'I am an ambassador for my employer. What would l do in that person's situation?'
 
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Reactions: Chicky
I agree (above with Ezzy). The person who employs you & pays your wages is the person who trusts you explicitely via yet another thought. Not only with your eyes but your voice & how you answer a telephone. YOU are the window to the Company you work for. Be polite (without chewing gum in your mouth) & leave a good impression for the one you cannot see. I experienced that only a day ago. NO second chance would I EVER give.....,OUT. Today it is a privilege to work. Plenty to take your place.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chicky and Ezzy
After making an unsettling discovery in a trolley at his neighbourhood Woolworths, a shopper has expressed his annoyance and frustration with the company on social media.

When a father from Victoria went to use one of the store's infant trolleys, he saw that it had been left in a "disgusting" state, and took to Facebook to air his frustrations.

As seen in the photograph taken by the man (pictured below), the baby seats had what appeared to be huge amounts of bird droppings spread across their surfaces.



"Pretty self-explanatory photo, as a new parent this is disgusting!" The customer said in his post, adding that the incident made shopping with a toddler a tremendously more challenging experience.

"It's hard enough to shop with a baby, let alone arrive at the supermarket and realise that you have to carry your child because all of your infant trolleys look like this," he continued.

"It would be nice if you could please resolve this issue because I don't think I'm the only parent who is frustrated by this."

CMtnWHyBusBSpPh6FXqQKO9sYHFqhwC6Ah81S7sNL570Dz9bVHn5OyfCY2YN2O-X1SZVTqnSVcgPmX-Q8AAG1zy56BLitxgeDX3RfWQLrnyXOvTaZ8Z19ZlE5kaEFpNNrrI8-ZeG2S4STVkVLA

It can be seen that the infant strollers are full of droppings from the birds. Credit: Facebook.

Following the widespread attention that the father's post received on social media, a spokesperson for Woolworths has come forward and issued a statement in response to the situation.

"While the majority of our customers return their trolleys properly, it appears this one was left outside in the elements," said the representative for the supermarket.

"We're disappointed in the state of this trolley, but we can assure you that it has been cleaned and disinfected since then. Our teams are committed to maintaining a high level of hygiene and cleaning trolleys on a regular basis."



We here at the SDC love birds, but bird poo? Not so much. Aside from being unsightly, bird droppings can also pose a number of health risks, some of which could be fatal.

Birds may seem like they aren't dangerous, but when you look into the health risks that come from their droppings, they can be pretty scary. Over 60 different diseases have been linked to birds, and that doesn't even count the avian flu.

Members, if you find yourself in a similar situation, please notify authorities directly so that immediate action can be taken!

If you want to learn more about how viruses can spread from one species to another and how they can cause deadly epidemics, check out the video below.



Credit: Ted-Ed.

Is it just to get something for facebook etc. or are people expecting too much and need an excuse to whinge? Just put it aside and tell a staff member. Its nature and things happen. Be thankfull that such a convenience is there for your convenience.
 
They are cleaned regularly? How can Mr Woolworths say this when the offending trolley is placed back with the others? They are "SUPPOSED" to be cleaned regularly and it will be looked into, so say this instead, otherwise you come off as a liar or just fobbing off a legitimate complaint.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy
A piece of info about shopping trollies in case people are interested.

Sylvan Goldman owner of the HUMPTY DUMPTY SUPERMARKET CHAIN in Oklahoma invented the shopping trolley.

One night in 1936 sitting in his office he wondered how customers might move more groceries. Baskets weren't being filled up because they were too heavy to carry- less sales = less profit.

The first trolley was introduced on June 4th, 1937.

A trolley can hold 460kg of shopping & when tested, collapsed @ 650kg fully loaded.
 

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