I would like to highlight the danger of buying items without checking the expiry date.
I know if one is in a hurry it seems to be a waste of time, especially before leaving the store, but it’s critically important that you spare a minute to check the expiry date.
Over the weekend I stopped at a spaza shop owned by an Ethiopian brother for a cold drink.
My instinct told me to check the expiry date.
The date on cans is not always visible, but I turned it over until I discovered the drink had expired two weeks before.
I asked the shopkeeper for another type of drink.
When he took too long while checking the expiry dates, I asked him to refund me, but instead he brought me another flavour.
I am writing to warn all SunReaders and their families to check the expiry dates on products they buy.
You should do this at every shop you visit – not only spazas.
Two years ago I wrote a similar letter after I found expired groceries on the shelves of a Chinese shop in Mpumalanga.
I think at times we are being taken advantage of due to our casual approach and ignorance.
Please take your time when shopping and be safe. Expired food is bad for your health.
Molemi Mabale
