\u201cWe\u2019ve had some humid, horrible weather lately. That\u2019s not going to help the shelf life after treatment. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t know if they\u2019ve been left on trucks, if it\u2019s been left sitting in the back in the sun instead of being put into a cool store … it could be something that\u2019s happened in storage. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt could be a whole raft of things.\u201d<\/p>\n
While maddening, the issue does not appear to be one that many people are prepared to take further.<\/p>\n
The Commerce Commission says it has received 10 complaints in the past year about fresh produce going off earlier than expected. <\/p>\n
The concerns spanned different supermarkets and brands, it said. <\/p>\n
Consumer NZ spokeswoman Jessica Walker said the issue was not one about which it received regular complaints. <\/p>\n
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act, a product must be of acceptable quality. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf a product from a supermarket isn\u2019t acceptable quality, and the supermarket insists on the consumer returning the product … the customer can claim back any additional costs incurred (like petrol) in doing so.\u201d <\/p>\n
Foodstuffs, which owns Pak\u2019nSave, New World and Four Square, acknowledged customer concerns.<\/p>\n
It said the quality and longevity of fresh produce could be influenced by a range of factors outside a supermarket\u2019s control. <\/p>\n
These included heavy rainfall, drought or unseasonal temperature changes. For example, high moisture levels could shorten the shelf life of potatoes, onions and leafy greens. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe work closely with our growers and suppliers to maintain quality standards. <\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, as fresh produce is not manufactured, natural variability can occur.\u201d <\/p>\n
Northern Wairoa Vegetable Growers Association president Doug Nilsson says there can be many reasons why fresh produce spoils quickly.<\/p>\n
Foodstuffs encouraged customers to speak with store staff if they experienced any issues. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe also recommend appropriate storage of fresh produce at home, as correct refrigeration and handling can significantly extend shelf life.\u201d <\/p>\n
According to research from Love Food Hate Waste NZ, improper storage is a leading cause of food waste, with $1364 worth of food thrown out of the average Kiwi household each year. <\/p>\n
The survey found Gen Z and Gen Y, in particular, struggled with proper storage. <\/p>\n
Another study by Love Food Hate Waste NZ and the University of Otago found that storing vegetables in airtight containers or reusable bags \u201csignificantly\u201d extended their shelf life compared to leaving them loose in the fridge. <\/p>\n
Woolworths fruit and vegetables general manager Ryan McMullen said the supermarket chain was \u201cobsessed\u201d with getting the best-quality produce to customers. <\/p>\n
\u201cAt the end of the day, poor-quality produce will almost invariably be because of handling and temperature control. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe work very hard to get it to our customers in the best condition we can. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe are so confident in the quality of our fruit and vegetables … contact us within 48 hours and we\u2019ll refund your money and replace the item for free.\u201d<\/p>\n