When Seconds Sell First
March 25th, 2008 by Jonathan
ABC News reports that Amelia’s Grocery Outlet, an 11-store supermarket chain in Pennsylvania, is selling groceries that have old promotions, damaged packaging or an expired sell-by date. I’m sure they’re receiving their Easter stuff as you read this.
1. This story was pegged to the recession, but there’s not much new here. There have always been a secondary market for “close-outs,” dinged cans and old and damaged packaging (visit a Big Lots, Dollar General, etc.). Amelia’s seems to be along those lines.
2. On the other hand, this is the first time I’ve read a food retailer question the excessive caution of expiration dates (for things like cereal and bottled water).
“The products are very well preserved and the quality holds up way beyond the freshness date,” Mitchell said.
Note: While dented cans are probably fine, steer clear of bulging cans.
3. It’s important to note that food items don’t immediately turn into a pumpkin harmful at midnight on the eve of their expiration date. With most items, flavor and/or texture go first, before the food’s safety comes into question.
4. On a lighter note: While we’re talking about expiration dates, read this entertaining tale about marriage, neighbors and expiration dates. Are you an EH or an ED??
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That last link is a great one. I was raised by a die-hard ED and I think it’s her fault that I’m an EH now. One too many unfortunate encounters with sour milk… Thanks for digging up all these fun links, Jon!
I am an ED and part of it I think is because both of my parents were EH’s. I would always see them toss so much good food, I knew there had to be a better way. And I have also rescued so many leftovers from them…
Thanks for the shout-out!
Amelia’s is one of several Lancaster area close out/overstock grocery stores. They are not really salvage, which is more the dented cans and boxes. Amelia’s usually carries overstocks, close to date or close out products (promotions, seasonal, etc.). Most products are just as good as what you get in the grocery. Some are cannery or factory overruns under a private label. There are always both national and store brands of most products. Lots of good deals, some great deals. I look at dates and the product itself, when I can. What I really do not like is all the new comers clogging the store now it is chic to be thrifty-