That’s not on the menu! Gross discovery at Woolies leaves shoppers reeling

There are few things more comforting than the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the aisles of your local Woolies.

Whether you’re popping in for a crusty loaf, a cheeky jam doughnut, or a six-pack of muffins for the grandkids, the bakery section is usually a highlight of any supermarket trip.

But for some Melbourne shoppers recently, that sweet aroma was tainted by a rather stomach-churning surprise.



Picture this: It’s a regular Tuesday at the bustling Bourke Street Metro Woolworths in Melbourne’s CBD.

Shoppers are going about their business, baskets in hand, when Valentina Olivos spots something decidedly out of place among the blueberry muffins.

No, it wasn’t a new flavour or a misplaced croissant—it was a mouse, caught on camera, making itself right at home in the bakery section!

Valentina, quick on her feet (and with her phone), captured the furry intruder as it attempted to scale a box of muffins, its tiny nose twitching with curiosity—or perhaps hunger.


Screenshot 2025-07-29 at 15.55.57.png
Woolworths shoppers were left disgusted after a mouse was spotted amongst the muffins in the bakery section at the Bourke Street Metro store in Melbourne’s CBD. Image source: @7newsaustralia / Tiktok.



The video, which she later shared on social media with the tongue-in-cheek caption 'A regular Tuesday', quickly caught the attention of fellow shoppers and the wider internet.

The reactions were a mix of horror and humour. One viewer summed up the collective unease: 'If this is in broad daylight, can you imagine what happens when the store is closed and the lights are off?'

Others took a lighter approach, joking that the mouse was 'just hustling' or 'looking for the cheese aisle'. One wag even quipped, 'Woolies are now selling pets apparently!'

Of course, not everyone was laughing. The sight of a mouse in the bakery section is enough to make anyone think twice about picking up a pastry.



Valentina did the right thing and immediately alerted a staff member to the rodent’s presence.

Woolworths responded swiftly, conducting a 'thorough clean of the affected aisle' and issuing a statement: 'We hold ourselves to the highest standards in store hygiene, so we’re really disappointed to have missed the mark at our Bourke Street Metro in Melbourne on this occasion.'

It’s worth noting that, while this incident is certainly unsettling, it’s not entirely unheard of for supermarkets—especially those in busy city centres—to occasionally have run-ins with uninvited critters.



Mice are notorious for their ability to squeeze through the tiniest of gaps, and with the constant flow of deliveries and customers, even the cleanest stores can sometimes fall victim.

What should you do if you spot something similar? First and foremost, let a staff member know straight away.


Source: @7newsaustralia / Tiktok.​


Supermarkets take these reports seriously and will usually act quickly to address the issue. If you’re concerned about food safety, remember that you can always ask to speak to a manager or contact the store’s customer service team.

For those worried about the hygiene of their local supermarket, it’s reassuring to know that Australian food safety standards are among the strictest in the world.

Stores are regularly inspected, and any breaches can result in hefty fines or even temporary closures. Woolworths, Coles, and other major chains invest heavily in pest control and cleaning protocols to keep their stores safe and sanitary.

Read more: Remember real bakery bikkies? ALDI’s $5.79 tray might surprise you!

Key Takeaways
  • Woolworths shoppers were left disgusted after a mouse was spotted amongst the muffins in the bakery section at the Bourke Street Metro store in Melbourne’s CBD.
  • Footage captured by Valentina Olivos showed the rodent sniffing around and attempting to climb up a box of blueberry muffins.
  • Woolworths responded by saying a thorough clean of the affected aisle was conducted, admitting they were disappointed to have missed the mark on hygiene at this store.
  • The incident prompted a mix of alarm and jokes from customers online, with some questioning store cleanliness and others making light-hearted comments about the mouse’s bakery visit.

Have you ever had a surprising or unsettling encounter at your local supermarket? Maybe you’ve spotted something odd in the aisles, or had a funny run-in with a 'shopper' who wasn’t quite human? We’d love to hear your stories—share your experiences in the comments below!
 

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