A major regional grocery store chain has been fined $75,000 for allegedly selling meat labeled with the incorrect expiration dates.
An investigation by the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs in New Jersey uncovered a “widespread pattern of product mislabeling and improper handling of beef and poultry products across multiple store locations.” The probe was initiated after customers complained of purchasing spoiled meat products at Stop & Shop’s Toms River location.
Upon review, officials discovered “systemic mislabeling practices” at all five Ocean County Stop & Shop stores, including mislabeled dates on products and spoiled products on display.
Some of the products were labeled with the dates they were put on display, rather than when they were packaged, giving the false appearance of being fresher than they actually were.
“In some cases, beef and poultry products were stamped with extended expiration ranges that exceeded the recommendations of wholesalers,” the Department of Consumer Affairs said.
Stop & Shop was also found to be relying more on pre-packaged products, rather than items that were butchered in-house.
Stop & Shop settles the issue
Following the investigation by the Department of Consumer Affairs and other health officials, Stop & Shop reached an agreement to pay a $75,000 fine and up its safety standards at all 46 of its New Jersey locations.
“This was a serious breach of consumer trust and confidence,” said Director of Consumer Affairs Ronald Heinzman. “Consumer Affairs took a strong position that this was an immediate public safety, health, and welfare issue.”
A chain with roots dating back to the late 1800s, Stop & Shop has been a major grocer in New England, New York and New Jersey for decades.
“At Stop & Shop, we take all food safety matters very seriously,” a Stop & Shop spokesperson told NJ Advance Media. “With respect to this specific situation, upon being notified of the matter, we conducted an investigation and took immediate action. We follow industry best practices and manufacturers’ instructions on expiration dates on our products.”
