Supermarket workers reveal one of the 'worst' habits customers do! Are you guilty?

In the bustling aisles of our local supermarkets, it's essential to have common courtesy and respect.

The 'Shopping Trolley Theory' that swept social media back in 2020 suggested that returning a shopping trolley to its rightful bay was the ultimate test of one's character.

Fast forward to today, and there's a new, related behaviour that had supermarket staff shake their heads in dismay.


The current issue is about shoppers abandoning items in the wrong places.

A recent social media post sparked a heated discussion when a photo showed a packet of steak left atop some furniture in the store's middle aisle.

'How lazy can you get? There are usually only four aisles with a halfway crossover!' the shopper wrote in a post.


compressed-steak.jpeg
The packed steak was left on the supermarket's furniture area. Image Credit: Facebook/ALDI Fans Australia


Other shoppers and even ALDI employees shared their frustration about the sight.

'It only takes a minute to put back where they got it from. It's called respect,' one person noted.

'Wasting food like this is the worst,' another wrote.

'I don't know how often I've found perishable food left in random places, people forgetting how quickly it will spoil if not kept cold or frozen,' a third commented.


However, this is not an isolated incident at ALDI.

'I see this all the time, sadly,' a shopper lamented.

Various shoppers also shared their stories about items left in different places: frozen dinners left to thaw in the pet aisle, laundry detergent abandoned among snacks, and even a pack of rotisserie chicken accompanying bottles of body wash.

These misplaced items not only create extra work for staff but also contribute to significant food waste.

About 1.3 billion tonnes of edible food are wasted annually across the globe, with 931 million tonnes attributed to retail and consumer waste.

In Australia, the food waste percentage is at a staggering 40 per cent.

With alarming statistics, it's clear that every small action counts.


So why do some shoppers leave items wherever they please?

Is it a lack of awareness, or perhaps a misguided belief that someone else will clean up after them?

Whatever the reason, the impact is undeniable.

Supermarket workers often throw items left out of refrigeration for too long, contributing to the already massive food waste problem.

If shoppers change their mind about an item, specifically perishable goods, take a moment to return it to its rightful aisle.

However, for shoppers who are in a rush, hand it to the checkout staff for assistance.

Some shoppers even suggested placing perishable items in the drinks area to keep it cold.

It is about taking responsibility for our actions and considering the broader implications of seemingly impulsive choices.
Key Takeaways

  • Supermarket workers and shoppers shared their frustration about perishable items being left in different aisles.
  • Perishable items, particularly frozen products, often thaw and rot, leading to unnecessary food waste.
  • About 1.3 billion tonnes of food are thrown out yearly and has been a problem across Australia.
  • Shoppers and employees suggested several ways to keep food waste at bay, such as returning it to staff or temporarily placing frozen goods in the drinks section.
Are you guilty of this trait as well? Share your thoughts about this conundrum in the comments below.
 

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There is no respect for anyone or anything any more, it seems to have been thrown out and not taught to the younger generations, so they now think nothing matters, it's all about them, who cares. They have no manners, it's like what does please and thank you mean????
I'm sorry ChrstinaV, but totally disagree with you that retires are the rudest people, I find older people really pleasant and mindful.
I agree with you Kahlan there is no respect from anyone. Those older people that are pleasant and mindful are the minority.
 
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Reactions: Veggiepatch
I could have said old people or specified 70 years and over. And yes there are younger ones that are just as rude. But the oldies take the cake with me. NOT one of them ever says thank you when I let them past first. So tell me, how are the younger ones supposed to learn if the oldies do not do the right thing?
I always say thank you. I love good manners. I was so proud of my granddaughter today when we went for lunch. She was super polite and I didn’t need to reminder her once. Not everyone is rude - young or old.
 
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Reactions: Jennylolo
I could have said old people or specified 70 years and over. And yes there are younger ones that are just as rude. But the oldies take the cake with me. NOT one of them ever says thank you when I let them past first. So tell me, how are the younger ones supposed to learn if the oldies do not do the right thing?
I guess a lot of our responses are reflected by our own experiences and the location/population we live in. This can make a quite difference. I do get older ones say thank you or apologise when I say 'excuse me". And there are those who don't regardless of age when it comes down to it.
 
I had great pleasure in placing a tray of pork chops in the halal display of a certain Dandenong supermarket several years ago.

I wonder if they disposed of the halal meats for being contaminated.

This was done as a silent protest to the implementation of a dedicated halal section in an Australian supermarket.
Supposed to be destroyed. There were supermarkets in the UK that had CCTV trained on the Halal meats as there was a spate of people who would place a try of pok ou top of the Halal meat.
Like you, I am against the practice and avoid buying anything that is Halal-certified.
 
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Reactions: Johnnie boy
No I always return perishable foods to where I got them from. To me it just seems the right thing to do. Why leave it to go off somewhere and be wasted?
 
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Reactions: deni67

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