Amazon Shipping Expired Food To Customers: Report

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If you order food on Amazon, you might want to check the expiration date before eating it. According to a report from CNBC, Amazon Marketplace has a major issue with third-party vendors shipping food that is long past its sell-by date.

An analysis of the top 100 food products sold on Amazon found that 40% of sellers had more than five customer complaints about receiving food that was spoiled or stale. The issue is widespread and impacts a variety of foods, including baby formula, beef jerky, hot sauce, and potato chips

In one instance, Angie Atkinson purchased a case of Land O' Lakes Half & Half creamers and was disgusted when she opened them and found they were curdled.

"It didn't occur to me that you could even sell something that was expired," Atkinson said in an interview. "If I had bought it the first time and it was like that, I never would have bought it at all."

Amazon has a policy that requires all third-party sellers that sell perishable food to report the expiration date and certify the food has a shelf-life of at least 90 days.

Amazon told CNBC that they have taken corrective action to deal with sellers who are shipping expired food items and explained the incidents were isolated.

"We work hard to make sure customers receive high-quality products when they order from our store," an Amazon spokesperson said. "We have robust processes in place to ensure customers receive products with sufficient shelf life. If customers have concerns about items they've purchased, we encourage them to contact our Customer Service directly and work with us so we can investigate and take appropriate action."

Photo: Getty Images


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