Expired Baby Food

[catmom]

I bought baby food at our local grocery store several times as we started solids about 2 months ago.  DD threw a fit the other day over peas and I happened to look at the label and they had expired.  I went through the baby food and found several expired items - some expired even before I started solids.  I FEEL TERRIBLE ABOUT FEEDING MY BABY BAD FOOD!!!!  I told the manager of the store and asked to have the store director call me tomorrow. 

Any suggestions about what I should say to them?  I don't see how they could make it right!  If they ask me what I want I don't know what to say - any suggestions?  I have already told them I expect them to review every baby food item in the store to make sure they don't sell anyone else bad food.  Your ideas are appreciated.

Please check the labels so you don't have the guilt I am currently dealing with!!

[Aly Mac]

I'd also get them to put a sign up in the store to let others know that the food may be expired. 

I wouldn't feel too bad.  I know expired food sounds awful but if the date isn't too far gone it's probably not a problem.  Usually a used by date is very conservative as they tend to want to cover themselves.

Maybe you could ask for a years supply of babyfood (only joking, I doubt this would work...)

[Samuel's mum]

That is irresponsible.

I would definitely insist on the sign and threaten to get in touch with your local environmental health dept (or whatever you call them) if they refuse.
I would also insist on an apology in writing and definitely a 'gesture of good will' which you should put in their court and see what they suggest first so you can then negotiate around their offer.

I agree that there is probably a built in safe zone on the date. If she hasn't been ill yet then I'm sure she'll be fine. It's probably more about taste than anything.

[catmom]

Thank you for your assurances about her health.  I agree they probably put a conservative date.  It made me feel better to have sound logic.  I haven't seen her get sick and I wasn't too worried but I did feel really bad.

I was thinking about free baby food but then I decided formula is much more expensive so maybe I will ask for that.  It will be interesting to see what the manager says.  If I don't like the answer I will offer to not only contact the environmental health department but also the local news station.  I imagine the tv coverage would be worse than the local government.

[Brandonsmom]

I would contact the local health departement and let them know a grocery store sold expired baby food. That is not good.

[catmom]

I spoke with their general manager and he had a girl go through all the baby food to check it for expiration dates.  He was also going to chat with the manager who is responsible for the product rotation.  He was not happy but agreed to post a sign in the store to warn other parents.

He gave me a $75 gift card to off-set the cost of my baby food for awhile which was nice.  You can bet I will be checking dates from now on.

[Samuel's mum]

Good for you for standing your ground! You may have to check on the sign though And make sure it isn't postage stamp size. But chances are someone else also bought expired food.