Before you buy that product, take a closer look at the expiry date.
Sometimes, the date you trust may not be the original one.
Someone I know who worked in a supermarket once told me something shocking.
As a new staff member, she was instructed to report products that were close to expiring. At first, she didn't understand why it was such a big deal.
Until one day, according to her, she discovered that some expired products were being given new expiry date stickers placed over the original dates.
Imagine picking up a product, checking the date on the label, and believing it is safe to use, only to discover that the date may have been changed.
The customer trusts the information on the packaging, but that trust can be abused.
According to her, she eventually resigned because she didn't want to be part of the practice.
And honestly, I respect people who choose not to participate in something they believe is wrong, even when their job is at stake.
Unfortunately, some organisations may prioritise making money over doing what is right. When that happens, customers can become the ones who suffer the consequences.
So, please, be careful when buying products.
Check the manufacturing and expiry dates.
Look closely at the labels and packaging.
Be cautious if a sticker appears to cover another date or if the packaging looks tampered with.
If something seems suspicious, don't buy it. Report your concern to the store or the appropriate consumer protection authority.
And if you're an employee and your employer asks you to participate in something you know is dishonest or potentially harmful, think carefully before complying. A salary is important, but so are your integrity and the safety of others.
Of course, this doesn't mean every supermarket engages in such practices. The story is a reminder to stay alert and pay attention to the products we buy.
Your health is more important than a product on a shelf. Never assume a label is genuine when something about it doesn't look right.
