A survey of fresh produce departments carried out in Germany by the NDR television show Markt has reportedly found products that were unsuitable for human consumption in 15 out of 17 stores visited.
Among the chains accused of selling spoilt fruit and vegetables were Rewe, Edeka, Aldi and Lidl.
Products found to be off by the documentary included peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, mandarins, lemons and lettuce.
According to the programme, some of the products were left on the shelf throughout the day in question and, in some cases, were even left overnight and remained on sale the following day.
Admin Valet of the Hamburg Consumer Advice Centre accused the supermarkets of neglecting their duty of care: “Consumers are sold unsafe food that should not be consumed under any circumstances. Consuming such products can pose health risks.”
Rewe is understood to have said in a statement that it would withdraw from sale immediately any fruits or vegetables with visible defects.
Edeka is reported as saying that it would reinforce the checking process in its stores, while Aldi and Lidl also expressed a desire to improve controls.
