ALDI customers are being urged to check their fridges after a mum made an alarming discovery with a recent cheese purchase.
Sharing on a popular Facebook page, the shopper revealed that she was stunned to learn that a 500g block of Westacre Dairy Vintage Cheese that she picked up from ALDI weighed signifcantly less than it should.
The mum shared an image of the popular buy on a set of home scales, showing that it weighed 410g – 90g less than its advertised weight.
For more Lifestyle related news and videos check out Lifestyle >>
“Has anyone else experienced this with ALDI cheese?” the shopper wrote on the Aldi Mums Facebook page.
“It’s meant to be 500g (e) but it’s only 410g. Almost a fifth is ‘missing’, which seems excessive to me.”
Many were quick to point out that the product had an “e” symbol next to the weight, which indicates that the weight is an “estimate”.
However, the “e” symbol allows for only a small amount of shortfall in an item’s weight and is subject to many government regulations, leading to severe consequences for breaches.
The mum also shared an image of her weighing another 500g item on the same kitchen scales with no issue, to show that her scales were working correctly.
The customer went on to say that the block of cheese was “notably smaller”.
“I know ‘e’ meant the weight was just an estimate, I’m just surprised it’s close to 20 per cent under the estimated weight when it’s not meant to be more than a few percentage under,” she added.
“My scales might not be as accurate as a digital one, but it’s definitely smaller than it should be. It looks notably smaller. It’s my fault for letting my five-year-old choose the cheese and me not double checking his choice!”
Many ALDI fans were horrified by the shopper’s discovery.
“Maybe we should ‘estimate’ the amount we pay them for our groceries. Disgusting!” said one.
Another wrote: “Thats terrible when you’re thinking you’re paying for 500g and get 20 per cent less.”
A third added: “I’m weighing mine from now on.”
One more responded: “I would take this back! Not okay. Also ring consumer affairs.”
Another said: “There is a difference between estimates and rip off. Wow, that’s a difference.”
Others said they’d notice changes from one cheese block to another, raising suspicion.
“The cheese I bought this week had loose packaging which is unusual,” one responded. “Now I’m wondering if it was actually smaller – I’ll weigh it next time too.”
Another said: “I always compare blocks so i get the one that is bigger… sometimes there is a clear visual difference!”
A third noted: “Having worked in the dairy industry, quite often compliance for combined weight is over a box of cheese blocks overall rather than individual packs.
“Particularly for more budget lines (as opposed to premium which is compliant per unit). Pays to compare block size!”
ALDI customers are encouraged to share feedback to the supermarket directly via its help centre, so that any issues can be investigated.
Customers are welcome to return any product they are not satisfied with for a full refund or replacement.
