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Aldi shopper mercilessly mocked over "shotgun pellet" claims

An Aldi shopper has been slammed online after claiming she found "shotgun pellets" in a piece of meat. The mum from Canberra took to a Facebook group dedicated to parents who shop at Aldi, to share pictures of a mysterious find in her corned beef. She claimed the slab of meat was laced with small metal balls, and after her growing concern about what she ingested, the woman went so far as to book in an abdominal x-ray. “Today I prepared a whole piece of meat in a pressure cooker that I bought at ALDI in Gungalhin, I was in a hurry so I only added one garlic and salt,” she wrote on Facebook. “While I was tasting a piece that had just been taken out of the pot, I felt something hard and noticed that it was a metal ball." “I checked the pot thoroughly but it was not part of the pot. Then I helped myself to another piece and realised there was one more I didn’t chew, I took it out and looked — ball was IN BETWEEN. “Can I complain to Aldi? Has it happened to you? I was going to give that meat to my two-year-old daughter, now I’m afraid. I prefer to throw it away.” She later added, “Update: shotgun pellets inside the cow meat! I have an abdominal [x-ray] for tomorrow to check if I ate some before noticed. There are more inside the meat." Despite her grave concerns, other shoppers were quick to slam her claims, with many arguing back that the small black balls appeared to be peppercorns and maintained that “no livestock are slaughtered with shotguns”. “Aren’t cows shot with a power head not bullets?” one said. Another wrote, “Cows aren’t shot with a shotgun they get a metal rod through the brain. Farmers don’t even use a shotgun, they use a gun that uses one bullet through the brain. This is very odd.” Many people also claimed that the round balls seemed to be peppercorns, prompting the mum to defend herself. She said, “That is not peppercorn! It’s completely round, the other one half is being covered by the meat. Definitely looks like something that shouldn’t be in there.” An ALDI Australia spokesperson has told <a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">7News</a> that it has not received any similar complaints. “We are in direct contact with customer and are investigating the possibility that this product has not met our strict quality and safety standard,” the spokesperson said. “We have not received any further complaints of a similar nature, however, customers can return any product they are not satisfied with for a full refund or replacement.” Image credits: Getty Images / Facebook

Legal

Major supermarket director slams "woke" rivals' Australia Day boycott

John-Paul Drake, director of family-owned Drakes Supermarkets, has slammed rival supermarkets for moving away from stocking Australia Day merchandise. The fiery rant posted on social media came after the independent grocery retailer, which has 66 stores across South Australia and Queensland, shared their latest catalogue promoting Australia Day. The supermarket director said that his objection to “wokeworths” was about “choice”. “Whether you choose to celebrate Australia Day or not is totally up to you,” he wrote. “As a retailer, it’s my responsibility to let my customers choose if a product is suitable for them. “Just because you’re lactose-intolerant, does that mean I shouldn’t sell dairy products in store? How would you feel if I told you I didn’t like chocolate so we’ll no longer be selling it? “I agree that there is a broader discussion to be had around the date we celebrate our country," he added. “But until that date is changed, I will choose to gather with my friends and family and celebrate how bloody lucky we are that we live in a country where we can choose to have these kinds of debates.” He added that he understands some "may not agree with me, and that's ok." “Some of you may choose to boycott our stores – and I respect your right to choose where you spend your money,” he wrote. “I do ask, however, that you respect my team if you do enter our stores. They do not deserve to cop abuse for my values.” <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C2Q56xUvOVW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C2Q56xUvOVW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by jp drake (@shake.and.drake)</a> </div> </blockquote> This comes after <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/woolworths-under-fire-for-dropping-australia-day-merch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Woolworths</a> confirmed that it would no longer be selling Australia day merchandise last week, with Big W and Aldi following suit. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was quick to call for a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/peter-dutton-calls-for-woolworths-boycott" target="_blank" rel="noopener">boycott</a> against the supermarket giant, for their "woke agenda". Coles, on the other hand, confirmed that they will continue to sell a small-range of Australia Day themed products for those who wish to celebrate the day. Images: Instagram/ Facebook

Legal

Aldi launches fancy new range beloved by Adele and the Beckhams

ALDI Australia is about to introduce a fancy homewares range that has the Beckhams and Adele collectively nodding in approval. Yes, you heard it right – ALDI, the place where you normally hunt for discounted Vegemite and budget-friendly meats – is stepping into the world of high-end homewares. Prepare your wallets and your finest monocles, because the supermarket chain has joined forces with the UK's luxury juggernaut, Liberty, to create a line of exclusive designer goodies. Christmas just got a whole lot bougier! Set to hit shelves on November 29, this collaboration promises to bring a touch of sophistication to your life – without forcing you to auction off your grandmother's vintage tea set to afford it. The range includes 12 new products, each bearing Liberty's iconic print designs. And with prices starting at a jaw-dropping $2.99, you might need a moment to let that sink in. We'll wait. Belinda Grice, ALDI Australia’s buying director of Special Buys, expressed her excitement, saying, "It’s so exciting to bring an extra touch of luxury to our customers. A high-quality product at an affordable price is what we do best, so this collaboration with Liberty is a match made in heaven." It's basically like finding a caviar-flavoured chip in your bag of mixed nuts. The range includes everything from candles to notebooks, diaries, hand creams, teapots, diffusers, soap bars and probably a golden unicorn or two. It's a cornucopia of poshness. We imagine this is the sort of stuff the Queen used to take notes during her royal corgi tea parties. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/11/Liberty_aldi.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> For British expats Down Under, this is the homecoming they never knew they needed. It's a bit like getting a surprise visit from King Charles himself, only instead of royal decrees, he bears scented candles and aesthetically pleasing teapots. But wait, there's more! ALDI is not just here to elevate your home decor game; it's also here to sprinkle some goodness in the world. Ten percent of Liberty’s proceeds from the collection will go to support Camp Quality, an organisation on a mission to bring joy, fun and laughter back into the lives of kids facing cancer. So not only can you deck out your living room like a Buckingham Palace waiting room, but you can also feel good about it. It's a win-win situation, or as the posh say, a "triumphantly exquisite dichotomy". As we gear up for the holiday season, let's raise a teacup to ALDI for making luxury accessible to all. Who needs a silver spoon when you can have a $2.99 Liberty teapot? Just remember, the next time someone questions your taste, you can proudly declare, "It's ALDI x Liberty, darling. Look it up." Images: Getty / ALDI

Food & Wine

Shoppers lash out at Aldi for “ridiculous” price hikes

A group of Aldi shoppers have lashed out at the supermarket chain after its series of "ridiculous" price hikes. Aldi, which consistently ranks as Australia's cheapest major supermarket, received some criticism this week after the store's popular skinless salmon fillets was hit with a $4 price increase seemingly overnight. “So explain to me, Aldi Australia, how do you justify a 28.5 per cent overnight increase on fresh salmon?” one outraged customer wrote on the Aldi Australia Facebook page. “This is outrageous. Last week, it was $13.99 for four pieces, this week $17.99. Guess where it stayed? On your shelf, NOT in my trolley.” The post triggered a wave of fury, with many threatening to abandon the German retailer and shop at competitor supermarkets. “Everything is so expensive at Aldi now might as well shop at Coles and Woolies,” one shopper wrote. “Well why did a can of baked beans price rise by nearly 50% and the same with small tins of tuna?? Ripping us off — not happy with the excessive price rises!! I think it my be time to shop elsewhere,” fumed a second. “Not impressed by Aldis price increases, a big frozen box of lasagne was $8.99 now $11.99, cheese was $8.99 now $11.99, whisky $34.99 now $36.99, cooking bacon $5.99 now $6.99. I can justify a small increase, but $3 … time to look around,” commented a third. The supermarket chain has responded to the criticism, acknowledging the price hikes, while insisting that they are committed to providing Aussies with great value products. “Aldi’s entire business model is oriented around saving customers money to ensure that we continue to lead as Australia’s lowest-price supermarket," an Aldi spokesperson said. "We always aim to cut unnecessary costs and pass these savings directly onto customers. “We know that the price of essential goods has never been more important to Australians, so we remain absolutely committed to delivering the best value for our customers while also supporting our supplier partners by maintaining fair pricing at all times," they concluded. Last month, Aldi ranked first as Australia’s favourite supermarket. It is the only brand to rank five stars for overall satisfaction, value for money, freshness of produce, quality of private label products and availability of deals/specials, according to the Canstar Blue survey for its annual Supermarket Satisfaction Ratings. Image: Getty

Money & Banking

Groceries option even cheaper than ALDI

With the cost of living crisis many Aussies are struggling to put dinner on the table, so they’re turning away from big chains like IGA and Coles and heading over to supersize store Costco. Originally an American chain, there are only 15 Costcos across the country, but with inflation rising to seven per cent and interest rates sitting above six per cent, Aussies are rethinking where and how they shop. Costco is being boasted as a lifesaver and worth the drive if you don’t live near one of the stores. Many Aussie parents have turned to Costco to help their families through the tough times, but it’s not your ordinary grocery store. Costco required you pay a $60 annual membership fee to shop there. The fee entitles members to exclusive access to its petrol stations as well. Although an upfront fee may leave shoppers hesitant, plenty of Aussies have shared online that it’s worth the money. Costco differs from other grocery stores because it’s a wholesaler, so you can only buy things in bulk. The idea is that shoppers spend more to begin with, but it ends up costing them less in the long run. It’s very much suited to large households. An Aussie mum posted on Facebook to share that popping her “Costco cherry”, saved her over $500. “I did a bit of maths, if I did the same shop at Woolies/Coles, I would have spent $1160. If I shopped at Aldi, I would have spent $985. If you can afford to buy in bulk, I highly recommend it will save you in the long run,” she wrote on Facebook. She shared exactly what she bought to have that much cash left over, and believes she managed to buy enough snacks to last an entire school term. “School lunch snacks x3 kids, will last the whole of next term (I do a three snack rule and put them in a zip lock bag, to grab and go, chips – vege chips, smith’s or jumpys, tiny teddy’s or panda Bickies and some muesli bar/fruit stick) then I just have to add a sandwich, fruit and popper.” The mum also bought some everyday items like, “Toilet paper, poppers and water,” and stocked up on meat to last a good while. “Mince, pork, beef, all divided up into 1kg lots and frozen,” she explained. She also stocked up on hand wash, cheese and fruit and veg, but shared that some of the most significant savings came from buying pantry basics. “Spices and sauces, Big savings here if you use a lot, like I do, as I cook most things from scratch,” she said. She added she thinks the membership is worth it if shoppers are savvy in their approach. “Everyone says the $60 membership isn’t worth it; well, if you shop smart, it’s well worth it; I’m going to aim to go 4 times a year,” she shared. She’s no outlier when it comes to Aussie mum’s shopping at Costco. One mum shared that with three kids in high school, the savings are worth it. “The snacks are so much cheaper than at supermarkets,” she revealed, adding that she heads over to Costo every few months to stock up. “I spend a few hundred every two or three months, and it saves me on buying expensive snacks every week.” Another mum chimed in, agreeing that it was a lifesaver for snacks and cheap meat options. “It is good for meat products and lunch box items,” the woman said. Another shared that it is worth the investment, particularly to find affordable options for school lunches. “If you have kids at school! 100 per cent I recommend it. I got a month’s worth of school stuff for what I was spending a fortnight,” she shared. While another revealed that Costo has helped keep her budget down during these tough times. “Costco saves us so much money on school snacks and meat alone!” Plenty of shoppers have been referred to ALDI if their regular shop is proving too costly, but Costco can save you the big bucks. Image credit: Shutterstock

Food & Wine

Aldi’s popular $50 travel item is back

Have you ever been so tired you wished you could roll out of bed and bring it with you? Well, this Aldi sleeping bag takes you one step closer to fulfilling your dream. The “One-Z wearable sleeping bag” is back by popular demand as part of Aldi’s Easter ‘Special Buys’ camping range. The onesie sleeping bag has arms, legs (with detachable feet), and even a hood so that you can become one with your sleeping bag. The $49.99 item is fully insulated, with an elastic waistband, dual zipper access, and side ventilation on the legs. It’s officially coming back in stores nationally on Saturday, March 25 and will be available in three sizes – small (suitable for someone around 155cm-169cm tall), medium (170cm-183cm) and large (184cm-200cm). The One-Z has been so popular for years that when a German retailer announced it was back in 2017, the post generated over 92,000 comments. “ALDI Australia: Please tell me these gems will be restocked!” one person commented after learning how quickly the item sold out. Aldi will also put up four-person tents for $169 and six-person tents for $199. Travel camp quilts, another camping essential that will keep you warm will also be up for grabs and this time for $10 cheaper than last year, now priced at $59.99. Some other items that will be up for sale include a portable hammock with a foldable frame for $79.99, and a solar portable charger that you can attach to your backpack for $59.99. The 28W mono folding solar charger will be able to charge your electronic gadgets including phones, tablets, power banks and some DSLRs. Images: Aldi

Travel Tips

Christmas is coming early: Aldi announces return of cult favourite

Aldi has announced that their iconic festive seafood range will be hitting shelves early this year, giving Aussies the chance to get their hands on their favourite items. In order to help shoppers spread out their spending and beat the December crowds, Aldi's highly anticipated frozen seafood range will be available in stores from Wednesday October 26th. Top of the list is lobster, with the supermarket's Ocean Royale Lobster Tails expected to once again be in high demand for those wishing to enjoy the delicacy at a budget price. "The Ocean Royale Lobster Tails are a limited edition, seasonal product that we're so excited to bring back to customers in 2022," Aldi Shopping Expert Kylie Warnke explained to <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/aldi-announces-early-return-christmas-seafood-items-230006914.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo News Australia</a>. "Due to high demand for these lobsters over the past few years, we expect this product will quickly be snapped up by seafood lovers to be enjoyed or stored away in their freezers for festive gatherings closer to Christmas. We're prepped for their popularity and have forecasted demand." "We know Aldi shoppers who snap up these showstopping lobster tails will be sure to add a touch of elegance to their dining experience this year." Other popular family seafood items returning to Aldi's shelves will be tiger prawns, Atlantic salmon, garlic butter lobster tails, and Scallops with herb de Province butter. Also on offer will be a range of gourmet canapés, such as salmon wellington in a cheese and dill sauce and wrapped in puff pastry, salmon puff pastries with cheese and dill sauce, lobster with dill and cheese sauce puff pastries, and extra-large scallops wrapped in maple-flavoured bacon. Fans of Aldi's festive seafood range will want to mark Wednesday 26th October in their calendars as these items are expected to be scooped up fast. Image credits: Aldi

Food & Wine

Aldi ordered to fork out millions in backpay

Aldi has been found to be underpaying its warehouse staff after ordering employees to start their shift 15 minutes before they actually clock in. The German supermarket may be liable to pay millions of dollars in compensation to past and present employees after the Federal Court found Aldi breached employment laws. Judge Douglas Humphreys said that it was “clear implied direction” that employees were required to start 15 minutes prior to their shift to complete safety checks on their machines. “There was no personal benefit to the employee in the activities carried out. Each was to the benefit of the employer,” Judge Humphreys said in his findings. “In these circumstances, the court is satisfied that the activities carried out constitute work.” The SDA Union for Retail, Fast Food & Warehouse Workers has further claimed that Aldi owes $10 million in unpaid wages for working an extra 10 minutes per shift. This is likely to affect 4,000 previous and present warehouse workers. Aldi has accepted the court’s findings and is currently reviewing ways to implement the payment toward affected employees but questioned the number given by the SDA. “We are reviewing the implication of the court’s decision on other employees across our business and will seek to apply the principles of the court’s decision fairly to any other affected employees,” an Aldi spokesperson said. “Numbers quoted by the SDA are significantly inflated and are not representative of the number of employees we believe may be impacted by the decision.” NSW branch secretary Bernie Smith said they are still working on individual back payments required to their members. “Unlike the way the multinational likes to present itself in its advertisements, it turns out Aldi is not good and not different. “Multinational companies operating in Australia can’t set their own rules.” Judge Humphreys will make an order in regards to payments on Friday. Image: Shutterstock

Legal

Aldi issues major recall for popular chocolate treat

Reese’s Dipped Pretzels have been recalled by Aldi for containing an undeclared allergen - peanuts. Packets of the popular chocolate-peanut snack went on sale without clearly stating that they contain peanuts. Consumers who have a peanut allergy could suffer a serious reaction if they unknowingly eat the treat. The 120g packets were sold at Aldi in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and Western Australia. The affected bags have a best before date of February 2023. “Consumers who have a peanut allergy or intolerance should not consume this product and should return the product to the place of purchase for full refund,” Food Standards Australia said. Anyone who has additional concerns has been encouraged to contact Aldi. Aldi's official recall policy states: "We encourage you to return the product to any ALDI store for a refund. If you do not have your receipt or proof of purchase, the refund will be issued at the last scanned price." The full list of current items in a state of recall by Aldi is as follows: <ul> <li>Reese's Dipped Pretzels 120g</li> <li>The Fresh Salad Co Thai Coconut Wild Rice Prepared Salad 500g</li> <li>‘Lumina’ Electric Blanket</li> <li>Sohl Furniture Recliner Chair</li> <li>Expressi Travel Mug 400ml</li> <li>CROFTON Reusable Bamboo Fibre Coffee Cup</li> <li>Easy Home Multicyclonic Vacuum Cleaner</li> <li>CROFTON Chef's Collection 6L Pressure Cooker</li> <li>Jack 'N' Jill Wooden Block Sets (Farm, Jungle & Ocean)</li> <li>Easy Home Cyclonic Handheld and Stick Vacuum Cleaner</li> <li>Jack 'N' Jill Wooden Jungle Railway Set</li> </ul> For more information, check out the offical Aldi Recall page <a href="https://www.aldi.com.au/en/about-aldi/product-recalls/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.

Food & Wine

Shoppers warned against using “secret lip gloss” in Aldi lipstick

Aldi shoppers are a savvy bunch, with many creating and sharing hacks for everything from packing bags to finding the best deals, but shoppers have been urged to stop using one involving the supermarket giant’s range of lipsticks out of fears it could be toxic. The “secret lip gloss” came to light after Aussie shoppers took to Facebook to brag about the “life hack” where the store’s Lacura lipsticks could be taken apart to reveal a hidden “lip gloss”, as reported by <a href="https://style.nine.com.au/latest/shoppers-warned-to-stop-applying-toxic-secret-lip-gloss-in-aldi-lipsticks/ac5bf471-5c08-47af-a263-2d8ef83d6da3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9Honey</a>. “My mind is blown!!! Am I the last one to figure out there’s lip gloss at the bottom of the Aldi lipstick???” one Brisbane woman wrote on the social media platform. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/lipstick1.jpg" alt="" width="792" height="445" /> Image: Facebook However, it turns out that the “lip gloss” in question isn’t actually makeup. According to other social media users, the glossy substance is a colour-matching chemical intended to show customers the colour of the lipstick which shouldn’t be applied to lips as it could be toxic. Though some commenters believed the original post, others remained sceptical. “My guess is that it’s not meant to be lip gloss and to show the colour of the lipstick only,” one user wrote. “If it was lip gloss they would have made it easier to 1. Open it and 2. To get it out without having to use a lip brush. I would be very careful.” The original poster also mentioned that they broke their lipstick while trying to get the substance out - more proof that it shouldn’t be accessed. “I have just about broken the stupid thing trying to get it off … it actually comes off easily if you do it right,” they said. Image: Facebook

Beauty & Style

Popular product pulled from ALDI shelves over allergy fears

ALDI has issued an urgent recall for a popular salad and has pulled it from the shelves over fears that it could contain an undeclared ingredient that could cause allergic reactions. The 500g Fresh Salad Co Thai coconut wild rice prepared salad has been recalled because it could contain cashews, with Food Standards Australia expressing concern that consumers with a cashew allergy or intolerance may have a reaction if they eat it, per <a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/food-warnings/aldi-pulls-thai-coconut-rice-salad-due-to-undeclared-cashews/news-story/29063456fff4e456a53d59177ac00b14" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>. The product was on sale at ALDI stores across NSW, the ACT, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/06/recall-salad.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: Food Standards Australia Anyone with a cashew allergy or intolerance who purchased the salad shouldn’t eat it and instead return it to any ALDI store for a refund of the purchasing price if it has one of the following use-by dates: <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Use by July 3, 2022 </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Use by July 4, 2022 </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Use by July 5, 2022 </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Use by July 6, 2022 </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Use by July 7, 2022 </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Use by July 8, 2022 </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Use by July 9, 2022 </li> </ul> Any consumers who are concerned about their health should seek medical advice. Image: Getty Images

Food & Wine

Aldi’s luxurious new winter travel range

Aldi Australia have released a budget range of luxury travel accessories, just in time for a winter escape abroad. Available in stores from Wednesday the 15th of June, the range includes everything a traveller needs from luggage, tracksuits, toiletries and electronics. If it’s your first time traveling or you’ve been meaning to update your luggage collection, now is the best time. The range includes: scratch resistant Skylite Hard Shell Suitcase for $59.99. The handy and expandable case is available in black or olive. Another bargain is the $29.99 Rolling Duffle Bag, perfect for those looking for a medium-sized carry-on luggage. Also on sale is men’s hoodies and sweat pants for $14.99 each, the women’s tracksuit top and pants set for $29.99 and travel lightweight joggers in grey or charcoal for $19.99. Secure your valuables with a $19.99 anti-theft cross body with lockable zippers and secureable compartments. To keep yourself entertained while travelling, noise cancelling wireless earbuds for $79.99 with a charging case. You can check whether the products will be at your local Aldi <a href="https://www.aldi.com.au/en/special-buys/special-buys-product-delays/">here</a>. Images: Aldi

Travel Tips

ALDI announces new change to all stores

ALDI supermarket has announced an exciting new change coming to all stores across Australia. The German retailer provides large 212-litre carts - which are 1.1m high - for shoppers to use, which have since gained a lot of criticism from elderly, pregnant and short people. Now ALDI has announced it will soon be rolling out half trolleys for customers to do smaller grocery shops. “We recognise that customers are looking for greater convenience when they visit our stores, as it’s almost impossible not to pick up the excellent value products on offer,” the retailer said. “That’s why we’re introducing smaller trolleys across all our locations, so our customers can more efficiently pick up products while doing smaller grocery shops.” Shoppers celebrated the news with many welcoming the change which will see their shopping habits change. “Finally! I almost fall into the big ones to reach the bottom,” one person wrote. “Great news for people who have had hip and shoulder replacement surgery,” another commented. “This is great, I also love the big trolleys at Aldi. They are always in good condition and the height is more comfortable,” someone else welcomed. The exciting news comes just months after ALDI introduced shopping baskets in their stores. Image: Shutterstock

Food & Wine

New from Aldi: $15 meal kits

Aldi Australia have released a budget range of meal kits designed to feed a family for under $30 and already, shoppers are raving about them. The new $14.99 cooking kits contain easy dinner recipes made from fresh produce. They’ve released four packs – tex mex beef burger, chicken pad thai, teriyaki salmon and bacon-wrapped pork and fennel sausages. The new Ready, Set, Cook Aldi meal kits serve two people and at $14.99 each, shoppers can feed a family-of-four for just $30. All customers need to do is choose a kit and shop for the remaining ingredients listed. The range is available in stores now until the end of July or while stocks last, with a different recipe kit available each week. Customers have been praising the idea, with one customer in particular sharing he was in “heaven” after tasting his pad thai meal, praising the flavour and “freshness of all the ingredients”. Images: Getty / Facebook

Food & Wine

Woman injures herself after slipping on grapes at ALDI

A mother has called out ALDI for their lack of compassion after she slipped on loose grapes causing her several injuries. Jenny was at one of the German grocers supermarkets in Melbourne about 6pm on the evening of April 27 when she realised she needed a basket for her items. She turned around and walked toward the baskets before slipping on several loose grapes that had not been cleaned up. The single-mother was in visible pain with her daughter and other customers rushing to her aid after the terrible fall which left her with a badly sprained ankle, a lower back injury, swelling and bruising. Paramedics were called about the incident and asked for Jenny to be removed off the cold floor but the store manager refused saying: “I don’t want to move her and we’re responsible for her”. Jenny revealed that she was left on the floor for over an hour and was concerned that the manager did not have the training to deal with these incidents. “It was an hour before she asked my name, and then she wrote it down on a scrap piece of paper,” Jenny told <a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/aldi/aussie-mum-takes-on-aldi-supermarket-after-grape-fall-leaves-her-with-painful-injuries-c-6759249" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a>. While waiting for the paramedics, customers walked past and asked what happened to which Jenny responded that she had slipped on grapes. She claims that a number of customers said “Oh there are always grapes on this floor”. The shift manager explained to Jenny that it was hard to monitor the situation as customers would always come in and open the grape bags which sees the loose ones fall. Jenny was eventually taken to hospital by paramedics where she spent the night as her injuries were assessed. Since the fall, she has not been able to work to her full limit, making it difficult to pay her bills and look after her family. Jenny has also been left fuming after not being chased up by ALDI like they said they would - a day after the fall. She attempted to file a complaint on their website but was asked to pay $2 which would be “fully refunded” which just prompted her to drop it. She revealed that a manager called her about nine days after the incident claiming he was “dismissive” about the situation and didn’t even ask about her injuries. According to the publication, ALDI is working with Jenny and an independent claims investigator is assisting her. “I’ve been a mess since it happened,” she said. “I don’t think I’ve been treated very nicely. I don’t think I’ve been treated in a compassionate way. I know it’s a corporation we are talking about, but I still expect to be treated like a human.” Image: 7News

Legal

ALDI shoppers left fuming

An alert on ALDI’s self-serve checkouts prompting shoppers to only pay by card has left customers fuming. A photo shared to popular Facebook page, Aldi Fans Australia, shows the supermarket’s self-serve screen with the words “Card payment only” on it. The self-serve checkouts were installed in nine stores across New South Wales in June 2021 - but that’s not what’s got customers annoyed. Customers said they would not be shopping at ALDI if they did not accept cash options. “No cash, no buy - so bye bye. Cash only here,” one customer said. “I pay for everything with cash. Cash is king,” another wrote. “I'd rather use a human being, thanks, and keep someone in a job,'' one woman said. “I used to get paid to do that job, now they want me to do it for free,” someone else commented. “I would prefer cash any day, at least I know where it is,” another added. On the other hand, shoppers commended the introduction of the self-serve checkouts which will help them complete their trip quicker. “Now we can go at our own pace,” one commented. “This makes me super happy. Love self-serve,” another added. “'I never have cash, I have almost forgotten it's a thing, doesn't everyone just use their phone to pay for stuff now?” someone else wrote. Images: Facebook/Shutterstock

Food & Wine

ALDI makes huge change we've all been waiting for

Are you a fiercely loyal Aldi customer? Then this ones for you. From Wednesday onwards, every Aldi supermarket will now offer shoppers baskets to use in store. This comes as a big change as Aldi customers traditionally use their own bags or the supplied coin-operated trollies to hold groceries. The change was announced via social media, with Aldi Australia saying the baskets would be available in every store in the country to help shoppers say goodbye to "octopus arms". "Customers that come into an ALDI store wanting 'just one thing', will know the feeling of wishing they had more hands. We recognise that these customers are looking for greater convenience when they visit our stores, as it's almost impossible not to pick up the excellent value products on offer," a spokesperson for Aldi said. "That's why we're introducing shopping baskets across all our locations, so our customers can more efficiently load up on goodies (on and off their intended lists) while doing smaller grocery shops." The announcement attracted a large degree of praise from the supermarket's social media followers, who also called for smaller trolleys and express checkout aisles. Image: Aldi

Food & Wine

ALDI announces price hike

ALDI supermarket announced up to 20-50 per cent price hike on almost 400 of their products. The German retailer announced that hundreds of products including meat, sausages and butter would be “significantly more expensive”. An ALDI Germany spokesman said the rising costs are due to the Russia and Ukraine war which have caused manufacturing costs to go up. But what does this mean for Australia? An ALDI Australia spokesperson said they will commit to ensuring prices are reasonable if there were a hike. “While we can’t speak to the specific challenges in our European operations, we can confirm that even if prices on products do increase locally we are committed to keeping them as the lowest in the market for our Australian customers,” the spokesperson said. “Every aspect of Aldi in Australia was built to withstand inflationary pressure, from our smaller format stores to our carefully curated private label range of groceries. “It is our unwavering priority to continue to have the lowest prices on high-quality products, no matter what happens in the world around us.” Image: Shutterstock

Money & Banking

Aldi to drop luxe travel range in celebration of international borders reopening

International travel is finally back and ALDI is celebrating. For its upcoming Special Buys on April the 6th, ALDI will release a range of products for the “executive traveller”. ALDI said it was also launching the line to celebrate the reopening of New Zealand to Aussies on April the 12th, when we’ll be free to visit our Kiwi neighbours without having to quarantine on arrival. The range includes everything from packing pouches, laptop sleeves and executive backpacks with an internal USB charging port. ALDI will also release premium noise cancelling headphones with bluetooth, an overnight leather bag and a leather satchel or sling bag. ALDI is advising customers to check the Special Buys delay page to know if the items they want will be in stock. The full Executive Travel Special Buys range includes — Packing pouches — $8.99 A 3-pack of lightweight packing pouches with mesh panels for visibility, a two-way zipper opening and carry handles. Available in Black, Blue, Pink or White and sizes of 40cm x 30cm x 13cm, 30cm x 28cm x 13cm and 30cm x 21cm x 13cm Sukin travel pack — $11.99 The pack contains cleanser, moisturiser, shampoo, conditioner and body wash all in 50ml sizes. Rechargeable batteries — $11.99 An eight-pack of AA or AAA ($1.50 per battery). Laptop sleeve — $19.99 Hard case with soft padded inner, fits most laptops up to 14” and available in Blue, Black, Pink or Grey Premium two-piece suitcase set — $99.99 Black with grey piping and comes with double spinner wheels, a TSA lock, an expandable main compartment (5cm). Premium carry on suitcase — $39.99 Black with grey piping and comes with double spinner wheels, TSA lock, and an expandable main compartment (4cm). Overnight leather bag — $89.99 Buffalo leather bag with easy carry handle, shoulder strap and a spacious interior compartment. Available in dark brown or vintage brown. Leather satchel or sling bag — $69.99 Assorted styles Executive backpack — $39.99 With internal USB charging port, a padded laptop/document sleeve and available in Classic Black, Classic Grey or Black Roll-top Style. Premium headphones — $69.99 Active noise cancelling, built-in microphone for calls, on-ear controls, bluetooth connectivity, up to 21 hours battery life, 40mm driver and includes premium carry case. Images: Aldi

Travel Tips

ALDI looking for fresh meat (graduates)

ALDI Australia is looking to hire a fresh batch of graduates for their insanely popular program. The German retailer’s graduate program is inundated with applications each year thanks to the attractive $92,000 starting salary, a company car and iPhone, as well as five weeks annual leave. Successful applicants will undertake a comprehensive program over a two-year period while rotating through the exciting challenge of the business. “Our graduate jobs aren’t easy but the greater the challenge, the greater the reward,” their <a href="https://www.aldicareers.com.au/Graduate-Program-Application-Process" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a> reads. “You’ll have exposure to serving customers on registers, managing sections in our distribution centre, undertaking site meetings with our property team, and developing your skills as a leader - a career achievement you can be proud of.” Applicants who succeed in their training will take on the role of an Executive Manager, giving them the opportunity to run up three-to-five stores. Peter Slaven recently completed the program and is now an Executive Manager of Store Operation in NSW. “I was prepared for a lot of observation and structured training, however I was pleasantly surprised with how hands-on ALDI’s graduate program is,” he told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/careers/aldis-insane-92000-job-for-uni-graduates/news-story/fbba33620c65bfad5a5f80df3e730155?utm_campaign=EditorialSB&utm_source=news.com.au&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_content=SocialBakers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>. “During the program I worked in three cities and over 30 stores, building relationships with close to 500 people. No two days are the same and I learnt to adapt quickly to constant change and I am still learning new things every day.” ALDI group director of human resources and projects Hayden Rydberg said the program attracted people from all walks of life. “It’s an opportunity for ambitious future leaders to hit the ground running in a supportive environment where you will learn directly from industry leaders, all while accelerating your career with a rewarding and dynamic retail business,” he said. Applicants must be in their final year of study or recently completed a master’s degree in any subject. Applications for ALDI's 2023 graduate program close on Monday March 28, 2022. Image: Shutterstock

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