Weighty issue at ALDI: Customers mince no words over alleged meat mislabelling!

The convenience of supermarket shopping is something many take for granted.

We stroll through the aisles, trusting that what we toss into our carts is exactly what the label promises.

However, what happens when that trust is broken? This is the question on the minds of many after a recent incident at ALDI left customers feeling deceived and calling for action.


A disgruntled ALDI shopper has taken to social media to voice his frustration after discovering that a pack of three-star beef mince weighed significantly less upon inspection.

‘I Just bought some mince from ALDI, labelled 500g on the packet,’ the shopper said.

However, the customer's video, which quickly gained traction online, shows the meat on a set of scales, with the display revealing a weight of just 412g.

The shopper's dismay was palpable as he exclaimed, ‘What the hell, ALDI?’


image (52).jpg
An ALDI shopper was frustrated to find his 500g packet of beef mince weighed only 412g. Credit: X / @clowndownunder


The video sparked outrage among viewers, with some even urging a boycott of the supermarket chain.

The call to action spread like wildfire, with the phrase ‘Australia, boycott ALDI’ becoming a rallying cry for those who felt cheated.


However, amidst the uproar, some eagle-eyed commenters pointed out a small but crucial detail on the label.

‘The magic “e” indicates the actual weight will be less than advertised. Theoretically, it means the weight could be either under or over,’ one commenter pointed out.

‘The “e” next to the weight designates “estimate”. They [major supermarkets] all do it,’ another explained.

Globally, the mark is used to verify that the package's contents meet established criteria for estimation.

Despite this revelation, the sense of betrayal lingered, with many thanking the original poster for bringing the issue to light.

The shock was evident as a shopper remarked, ‘No way ALDI—almost 100g difference.’


It's a sentiment that resonates with many, as this isn't the first time customers have raised concerns over the accuracy of weight labels on meat products.

In a similar incident, a Woolworths shopper found their $11 lean beef mince to weigh only 784g, a far cry from the 1kg expected.

ALDI’s supplier partner has assured that they have systems in place to weigh their products and that any items not meeting their standards are rejected.

However, this assurance does little to quell the frustration of consumers who feel misled.


For those who find themselves in a similar situation, it's important to know your rights.

Consumers are encouraged to return products that do not meet their expectations for a full refund or a replacement.

This policy is a safeguard against the disappointment of purchasing goods that don't match their advertised specifications.
Key Takeaways
  • An ALDI shopper expressed his frustration after discovering a 500g packet of beef mince weighed only 412g.
  • The shopper's video on social media prompted calls from some to boycott ALDI, but others highlighted that the 'e' mark on the packet indicates an estimated weight.
  • Discussion online also pointed out that this weight variance issue is not unique to ALDI and has occurred with other supermarkets.
  • Although weight discrepancies have been reported, ALDI’s supplier partner is said to have systems in place to ensure accurate weights and offers refunds or replacements for unsatisfactory products.
Have you ever experienced something similar? How did you handle it? Did the supermarket make it right? Share your stories in the comments below and let's ensure that our collective voice is heard, and our shopping experiences remain honest and fair.
 
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Has anyone ever bothered to weigh eggs? I did one day just because the 700g eggs I always buy didn't really look much bigger than the 600g. Well they don't seem to weigh what they claim either.

Funny though, how, when you check these things and they're wrong, they are always in the supermarket's favour, never the customers.
 
Has anyone ever bothered to weigh eggs? I did one day just because the 700g eggs I always buy didn't really look much bigger than the 600g. Well they don't seem to weigh what they claim either.

Funny though, how, when you check these things and they're wrong, they are always in the supermarket's favour, never the customers.
I’ve stopped buying eggs at the supermarket for that reason. The last ones I bought were supposed to be 900g but I compared them to a carton of 600g I had and some were acually smaller. I have found a small farm close by that have rescue chickens so I support them instead and I get what I pay for
 
I’ve stopped buying eggs at the supermarket for that reason. The last ones I bought were supposed to be 900g but I compared them to a carton of 600g I had and some were acually smaller. I have found a small farm close by that have rescue chickens so I support them instead and I get what I pay for
Exactly. Someone needs to look into the egg industry because eggs do not weigh what they say they weigh.
 
"Shoppers beware! Since the government stopped conducting regular, unannounced checks by Weights and Measures inspectors, underweight or mislabeled products have become more common.

Previously, inspectors would pose as customers, select items, and then test the scales in the deli section to ensure accuracy. If any discrepancies were found, the business would receive a warning and be required to correct the issue within 7 days. Repeated or systemic offenses could result in the business being shut down until compliant."
 
I should imagine ALDI rely on their suppliers to correctly weigh and label goods.
You can hardly expect them to weigh every pack of meat that comes into their stores. Or eggs for that matter.
Once again people going straight to the internet to complain and have their five minutes of fame instead of just returning it to the store for a refund.
Stores do not pack and weigh their own products suppliers do.
Vent your anger at them,not the supermarkets.
 
Don't quote me but I believe the e on the package beside the weight stands for "estimated" which is just junk in opinion. Allows them to fiddle with the weight without being pulled up for lying.
Most packaging these days is done by machines not people literally deliberately under weighing things.
 
Don’t blame the supermarketS for under weight meal. It’s not them but there suppliers. Having packed meat for Aldi when it first opened all meat goes over the scales and then labeled. It is up to the QA to keep a check. The problem now is the workers don’t give a f—k and are only there for the money. Its hard to get Aussy workers so they employ non Australians.
 
Quite a difference but from my memory the total price per kg is displayed above the designated item. I look for one I can purchase from weight appearance and designated price. So I believe that the weight is calculated on the total price is broken down by weight????Or do they link price to an estimated weight which is not on if the difference is not calculated 👎
 
I should imagine ALDI rely on their suppliers to correctly weigh and label goods.
You can hardly expect them to weigh every pack of meat that comes into their stores. Or eggs for that matter.
Once again people going straight to the internet to complain and have their five minutes of fame instead of just returning it to the store for a refund.
Stores do not pack and weigh their own products suppliers do.
Vent your anger at them,not the supermarkets.
EXACTLY!

Does this ex Aldi customer regularly have his scales calibrated to the requirements of the National Measurement Institute's National Measurement Act 1960?

Of course not! So what does he do? Straight to the false god known as "social media" to vent his frustration. A total goose without a long neck!
 
"Shoppers beware! Since the government stopped conducting regular, unannounced checks by Weights and Measures inspectors, underweight or mislabeled products have become more common.

Previously, inspectors would pose as customers, select items, and then test the scales in the deli section to ensure accuracy. If any discrepancies were found, the business would receive a warning and be required to correct the issue within 7 days. Repeated or systemic offenses could result in the business being shut down until compliant."
Weights and Measures?? Hmmmmm I often think as I’m filing up my fuel tank on a weekly basis am I getting the correct litres that I’m about to pay for.
Bowsers were once upon a time regularly checked for correct calibration.
 

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