Sampling produce at the grocery store? Poll results say 'Don't do that'
Mark H. Bickel- A recent poll shows 80% of shoppers believe sampling produce is unacceptable.
- Opponents of sampling view the practice as stealing and a potential health risk.
- Fourteen percent of respondents feel it is acceptable to sample a small amount of produce while shopping.
- Some shoppers justify tasting items like grapes to check for quality before purchasing.
Don't mess around in the produce section of the grocery store at places like Publix, Aldi, Costco, Fresh Market, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Walmart and Target.
That's the message being sent by our audience when it comes to our most recent grocery shopping poll results.
We asked: Is it acceptable for grocery shoppers to sample produce?
A whopping 80% of you chose "No. It's rude, like stealing and it could impact your health."
On the other side of this debate, 14 percent of the audience said, "Yes! What's wrong with one or two little blueberries as I push my cart?"
Six percent chose "other."
YOU CAN STILL CAST A VOTE: Here!
What they are saying: Sampling in the produce aisle
Here are some of the comments our audience made about this week's poll:
Sheryl Holt said: "It’s fine to taste a small amount of something in produce as long as you respect the item and its packaging. So much is eventually thrown out. A grape or loose item. Or smell the freshness of tomatoes or greens. So many of the items in Publix are literally old and tasting them or touching them will save you money and frustration. It’s not stealing, unless you think you’re going to have a meal there! Also, ask one of the stockers."
Terry Hiatt said: "Imagine if you owned a business and customers came through and just took pieces of your inventory without paying. What if you owned a card shop and people came and just took one to see how it felt? One blueberry or two? Now multiply that by the thousand customers that come through in a week. It can be a real drain on the cost of produce and has to be passed on to the rest of the buying public. I think the abundance of the food displayed gives people the idea that since there is so much, it’s okay to take some, Fruits and vegetables can be checked for quality in ways that don’t harm the produce or consume them. Take the time to ask your produce person to show you how if you don’t know. It’s stealing. Sorry."
Carol Wynn said: "Yes it is technically stealing, but grapes can be sour, so I do taste ONE, but not anything else. Pesticides are a concern, but only one sample. I have opted to not purchase grapes several times because they were tasteless. At present the grapes have been ok."