Whole Foods Mislabels Prepackaged Items and Overcharges Buyers

NEW YORK — Whole Foods supermarkets have been routinely overcharging customers by overstating the weight of prepackaged meat, dairy and baked goods, New York City’s consumer chief said Wednesday.

(from SF Chronicle 6/25)
The price on a package of coconut shrimp at the upscale market was too high by $14.84, said Department of Consumer Affairs Commissioner Julie Menin. A package of chicken tenders was overpriced by $4.85, and a vegetable platter by $6.15, the department said.
“These overcharges are incredibly troubling,” Menin said, alleging that they continued even after Whole Foods was informed of the city investigation, which began in the fall. The investigation checked the eight Whole Foods markets then open in the city. A ninth has since opened. In all, the chain has 422 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
“We have been meeting with Whole Foods for months,” the commissioner said, “but we repeatedly found problems that were incredibly pervasive.”
In e-mailed statements, Whole Foods said, “We disagree with the DCA’s overreaching allegations.” It said the department had made “grossly excessive monetary demands” to settle the dispute, but it would not disclose the amount.
Because the city’s investigation of Whole Foods is still open, penalties have not yet been assessed, Menin said. Fines for falsely labeling a package can be as much as $950 for the first violation and up to $1,700 for subsequent violations. The department said Whole Foods had thousands of potential violations.
Last year, Whole Foods agreed to pay $800,000 in penalties — and improve pricing accuracy — after an investigation into alleged pricing irregularities in California.
Whole Foods has long battled a reputation for high prices — some derisively call the store “Whole Paycheck” — and it recently announced plans for smaller stores with lower prices.
The Consumer Affairs Department said it tested 80 different types of pre-packaged products and found mislabeled weights for each, with overcharges ranging from 80 cents for a package of pecan panko to the $14.84 markup on the shrimp.
The department said the findings suggest that many individual packages may not be weighed at all. In some cases, all the packages of a product were labeled with exactly the same weight when that would be “practically impossible,” the department said, as with vegetables and seafood. Vegetable platters, all priced at $20, represented overcharges averaging $2.50, the department said.
“As a large chain grocery store, Whole Foods has the money and resources to ensure greater accuracy and to correct what appears to be a widespread problem,” Menin said.

WED JUN 24, 2015
Think Whole Foods is a ripoff? It's worse than you thought

by Faith Gardner

https://images.dailykos.com/images/1...jpg?1435161221

attribution: Wikipedia commons

If you've ever shopped at Whole Foods you've probably been shocked at the prices. But a recent investigation shows that not only are its products overpriced, it's also dishonest—and its shady practices when it comes to weighing and mislabeling may be illegal.

The investigation looked at products that are weighed and labeled and found a "systematic problem" whereby customers were routinely overcharged for things like nuts, snack foods, poultry and other grocery products. Eight packages of chicken tenders—priced at $9.99 per pound—were inaccurately priced and labeled to the tune of a $4.13 overcharge to the customer per package, a store profit of $33.04 for the set. DCA says one package was overpriced as much as $4.85. "Additionally, 89 percent of the packages tested did not meet the federal standard for the maximum amount that an individual package can deviate from the actual weight, which is set by the U.S. Department of Commerce."

Should we be surprised?

Last year, the company was fined nearly $800,000 in California for not deducting tare weight, selling less than the weight on products sold by the pound and other violations. Not to be outdone by our neighbors to the West, "our inspectors tell me this is the worst case of mislabeling they have seen in their careers, which DCA and New Yorkers will not tolerate," according to DCA Commissioner Julie Menin.

I guess this kind of dishonesty is just par for the course when your CEO is a libertarian who thinks Obamacare is fascism and climate change is A-OK.No announcement yet from the DCA on how big a fine Whole Foods will be slapped with. Let's hope it's significant.

Through the years Whole Foods Sebastopol has overcharged me at least 6 times. Their excuses are feeble, like, discounted supplements were charged at full price, and the cashier acted like something was wrong with me, and made the excuse that they carried so many items. "Really", I said, "Safeway doesn't have that problem and they carry way more items than you do." I started buying only a few items so that I could catch any errors easily.

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Posted in reply to the post by Sara S:

NEW YORK — Whole Foods supermarkets have been routinely overcharging customers by overstating the weight of prepackaged meat, dairy and baked goods, New York City’s consumer chief said Wednesday....

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I just don't shop there; I remember when they bought out the previous store (was it Food for Thought?) and I read a letter in the paper from, I believe, Shepherd Bliss, who said that Whole Foods wouldn't buy his local organic produce which he'd been selling to the other store. And then, when I would occasionally go in there, it seemed like a lot of the other shoppers had an attitude (I called it "cooler than thou") which was unwarranted. Add all that to the ridiculously high prices they charge, and I just quit going in there...

I see Whole Foods as a status symbol for the wealthy, just like any other high end store that sells items at many times the price of other stores. I realize that there are probably a lot of people who shop there who aren't wealthy, but unfortunately, they have an addiction to a romanticized perception of healthy, organic foods that have been very successfully marketed with a hidden hook that's difficult to engage from. You know, like "Hook, Line, and Sinker"? Once you're hooked, it's like any other addiction, and you may need another one to replace it. Community Market is an option, but they don't have all the goodies that WF does. Fiesta (Pacific Market) is also pricey, so it might be a possibility, and hey, it's local. You can always sneak back to WF to buy a $13 bottle of juice to cleanse your guilt, or a bag of frozen veggies from China. See the fine print on the back, and ask yourself why this would be in fine print. Aren't most things, that we don't want people don't read?

I prefer to shop at Andy's on northside and Fircrest on southside. Both stores have reasonably priced organic and non-organic fruit and vegetables. Fircrest has an excellent meat department, though I'm told not much of it is organic. In my opinion, regular Clover products give most of the benefit of organic dairy (no hormones, grass fed etc) without the high prices - always on special at Andy's.

Richard

I continue to be surprised at the number of people in our hip town that shop at Whole Paycheck.
Community Market is a better place, not being owned by a wealthy right winger, but they should trying lowering prices to draw from WF.

I don't think people that shop at WF or Community Market are concerned with prices. That seems like an oxymoron. Awhile back I went there with an addicted friend, and was shocked to see Mama Chia drinks priced at $13 a bottle. I just figured it was an expensive drink, but since then I've seen the very same thing at other stores, only this morning, for under $4 a bottle. What's wrong with this picture? For the people who pay the WF prices, it's all part of an unconscious and indulgent lifestyle. When you've got the money, you might as well share it with WF; they need our community's support.

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Posted in reply to the post by Richard Nichols:

I continue to be surprised at the number of people in our hip town that shop at Whole Paycheck.
Community Market is a better place, not being owned by a wealthy right winger, but they should trying lowering prices to draw from WF.

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Perhaps some are and some are not concerned about price. They should be concerned that the 300% or 400% markup on some phoney drink is going into the pocket of a very wealthy and very right wing owner.

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Posted in reply to the post by Shandi:

I don't think people that shop at WF or Community Market ...

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What do you expect from a company that is or was selling bunny meat? Lord, what else was this company doing? :hmmm:

Since I am on a fixed income, I actually have a list I keep of where to buy the things I usually buy and the price. The differences in prices for some of these are significant. WF has two things I buy, very rarely. I can only get them there so I am ok with that. But everything else? Um no. It's just too expensive.

Jessica

Good for you, Jessica. The bottom line is that consumers need to be self-informed. The info about Whole Foods' politics, lack of local foods, and price gouging has been out there for years.

Regarding earlier posts about how pricey some places are, like Fiesta (Pacific), I don't see this as "addiction" as one poster did. I like some quality cheeses and grass fed meats & am pleased that I can buy them on senior Tuesday at Pacific. for a 10% discount,when I also treat myself to their delicious hot and salad bar and enjoy their friendly atmosphere..

I am also a fan of Fircrest and Andy's and also Safeway for certain things. It's all about planning, keeping to your budget but buying local when available and supporting jobs in our community without sacrificing principles .I encourage everyone to read about each company's sustainable practices---including Trader Joes about seafood (hint)--and make your own informed choices.

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Posted in reply to the post by jesswolfe:

Since I am on a fixed income, I actually have a list I keep of where to buy the things I usually buy and the price. The differences in prices for some of these are significant. WF has two things I buy, very rarely. I can only get them there so I am ok with that. But everything else? Um no. It's just too expensive.

Jessica

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Posted in reply to the post by Edward Mendoza:

Think Whole Foods is a ripoff? It's worse than you thought

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oh what to do about WF? It is very simple, but then again, huh?...how do you just stop shopping at places where the corporate owner doesn't give a rats ass whether the customers are satisfied, ripped off, or are charged too much. Really folks, do YOU/ME/ WE have to shop at this place? Occasionally, I too have walked through the doors of WF, and i get a sick feeling like, here i go, bend over. no one holds a gun to our heads but we walk right on through the doors.

In this county there are many other places to shop and give our $$$ to...Andy's Mkt. Community Market has been around for 40 years and there are always wonderful Farmers Markets. We can't seem to muster the guts to boycott WF and when we try to argue with people and explain all the reasons not to go there, they say, "but, but, i can get the coolest this or that there....Hell, we are so damn lazy or not willing to just do without...that's the reason , it's not a mystery and Mr. CEO jackass of WF knows that. so the jokes on us if we aren't willing to change.
peace
beshiva

Don't leave Fircrest Market off the list; I love that store. For a smaller market, they have a huge selection of stuff and a real butcher shop. I don't think they do this anymore (paper bags), but for years they printed the names of all the Analy High School graduates on their bags..

Whether the reason is "MORALS" which may mean dis-engaging over WF sale of rabbit meat, or "MONEY" as in having less of it because of WF, I do hope that our community has the intelligence and discipline to let go. I still maintain that WF can be an addiction, just like daily coffee at Starbucks. It's hard to change habits, without some motivation from self interest/self care, or concern about the many ways we are used and deceived by those entities we support. We are the "pawns" in this game, easily captured, by those who are more powerful, with many more options and angles.

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Posted in reply to the post by Sara S:

Don't leave Fircrest Market off the list; I love that store. For a smaller market, they have a huge selection of stuff and a real butcher shop. I don't think they do this anymore (paper bags), but for years they printed the names of all the Analy High School graduates on their bags..

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And, to add to my other rant on them, as IF, the CEO's stance on GMO wouldn't be enough to keep us out of us filthy establishment (he has decided to not fight the fight of GMO's). What more do we need to understand that the only mislabeling of WF is the actual "name" WF. That they are the same mentality of other blood sucking corporations (they are people right), i would hope that this supposedly hip community will rethink how nice it would be if they were boycotted and made to go under. peace beshiva

I appreciate your intelligent "rants", however, I don't think that most of the "hip" community will change their shopping behavior, even with these facts, and many may not even be Wacco members, so they're missing out on some vital information unless they're getting it from mainstream sources.

Many people may be viewed as "hip"; whatever that means is up to speculation and perception. Maybe some community members can give their definitions. I think we need a different word to describe people like yourself, and others who can see clearly how they're being manipulated, and take steps to get out of the picture, and withdraw their support of "slime".

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Posted in reply to the post by beshiva:

And, to add to my other rant on them, ... i would hope that this supposedly hip community will rethink how nice it would be if they were boycotted and made to go under. peace beshiva

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With all the complaining and "outing" of WF's bad practices over the years, I was amazed at the lack of support when Community Market opened. When I heard this new "righteous", purchasers of local produce and products, was opening, I thought us West County/WF criticizers would say "see ya later WF". But, I left the country right before it opened and, upon my return, was shocked that WF was not only open, but was just as crowded as ever!! And...Community Market's aisles were practically empty! What tha..?

Anyway, I shop at CM, Fircrest (which has very good, locally sourced organic produce) and 1/3 cheaper prices on many, many of the same product brands that WF carries (I compared receipts). Only problem is that it does not offer organic meats. So, I get those at Pacific Market. We're pretty lucky to have all these options!

So..., it is an easy fix, really!! Don't complain and rant.....just don't friggin shop at WF! :wink:

Part of the ranting is to educate people who may be very well aware of the high prices, but would never suspect price gouging at the check stand, mis-represented weights, 365 brand frozen food from China, or any of the other suspect practices that have been going on for a long time.

And even though the "outing" has been going on for years, it's hard to believe that people know about them, and still shop there. My conclusion is that the prices aren't a big deal for most loyal affluent customers. The priority for them is that they can get what they want, whether it's organic rabbit meat, or $13 a bottle drinks. CM doesn't have the selection, and when money is no object, we want choices. CM is competing with a powerful "machine", and even though they knew that going in, they probably expected more community support.

What's your best guess about this situation? What do you think is going on here? Why are people tripping over themselves to shop at WF? What could be behind this phenomenon in our conscious community? I've stated what I think it is, which is "addiction". I don't shop there, and never have, after my sticker shock. But I am a student of human behavior, and am curious about what keeps people going back, besides not being affected by the prices. Maybe that's all it is. Most WF customers may be in the category of "money is no object", except for those who only get certain items they can't get elsewhere, or only shop the sale items.

We're not getting much feedback from loyal WF customers, so that makes me wonder if they're hiding out. They have an opportunity to help change our perceptions. We shop at different stores for various reasons, as you mentioned. I shop at 6 different stores to get what I need and want at the best prices available. I even go to Sprouts in Petaluma, and am amazed at their sale prices on all kinds of things. I get Wild Alaskan Salmon on sale for $10 lb. when it's $16-18 at Oliver's, Safeway, or Raleys. Sometimes they have a $5 OFF coupon in their sale flyer that's sent out to homes. Many times they have awesome products that have been discontinued, or when they have to make room for new stuff. I got a bag of Planet Rice for 50 cents. Frozen wheatgrass that sells for $15 at Olivers was marked down to $2. Lately they've been clearing out their protein bars, so I got to try some expensive ones for only 50 cents or $1. I usually go there once every two weeks on Weds, which has the
advantage of the previous week and present week's sale prices.

Since I live in Rohnert Park, the distance would be the same as if I drove to Andy's, but it's quicker and less stressful on the freeway, than going through the traffic in Sebastopol. It takes about 10 minutes, with hardly ever any traffic. TJ's is close by, so I can get to both in one trip, to save time and money. These are my priorities, but not everyone's. TJ's has a few items I can't get anywhere else, but nothing I use on a regular basis. There are some warnings about TJ's also, but I'm not going into that right now.

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Posted in reply to the post by sambacat:

With all the complaining and "outing" of WF's bad practices over the years, I was amazed at the lack of support when Community Market opened....

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Posted in reply to the post by Shandi:

.... Why are people tripping over themselves to shop at WF? What could be behind this phenomenon in our conscious community? I've stated what I think it is, which is "addiction". ...

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i believe, you have a point, "addiction". We have so many addictions in this culture, we hardly notice them. And, so many people in the "cool" west county just think "laissez-faire" when it comes to WF...hardly give it a thought and have the $$$ and just don't give a damn. they don't question whether it's ethical, moral etc...hey it's just food right. I think people would think differently when they understood they are being ripped off...even people who think, "money is no problem"...it's "always" a problem when you are getting ripped off.

To travel to other places like even Petaluma, which might have great prices on salmon, doesn't cut it for when you calculate the cost of gas, etc. especially for these West Countians... but for folks in the middle geographically, yes, it makes perfect sense.

I think people ARE creatures of habit for sure. And change is most difficult even when it is quite easy in a place like where we live. There literally ARE at least a half dozen other places to shop which are just fine. bottom line i think we are plain lazy and thoughtless. Shame on us for not realizing that WF is a leech on our pocket books, a drain on our community which, supposedly, fosters supporting local farmers. Imagine, empty isles at WF. peace beshiva

(Elizabeth here) --

I go to Andy's for most of my veggies, amplifying this with the superb greens at the Sunday Market, and I subscribe to Laguna Farm's CSA. My most frequent purchases are at Fircrest, which is laid out in the fiendishly-compact manner of a Manhattan apartment. I continually discover stuff there I assumed they didn't have, and usually it costs less then elsewhere. Andy's proclaims that their Clover products are always on sale, and I always buy Clover, but have never found that Fircrest's prices weren't cheaper. (I keep track of all this crap.)

I was a big, big Andy's booster for a long time, and I still think they're great, but I can't tell you how many times I've found the same things at Fircrest for less. Andy's big plus is that they have a spectacular array of fruits and veggies, and for that quality I don't carp at the price. But on other fronts, from crackers to olive oil to bread, check out the prices at Fircrest.

So what about WF? There are a few things I'll go there for — when Mary's whole chickens hit 1.29/lb, I'm there. My regular granola is cheaper there. Sometimes they have Fage yogurt for a dollar less. So I watch these things like a freakin' eagle, and don't go there otherwise.

Elizabeth

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Posted in reply to the post by theindependenteye:

So what about WF? There are a few things I'll go there for — ...

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with all due respect...if we could try to not do the "i only go to WF for this" sort of dialog, and we actually pay the little extra some other place or do a little more research and find it where we can get it cheaper, or do without (which i realize is the tough part of all this)...then we can sever our ties altogether from WF.

This would be the Only way to send a clear message to WF, otherwise, if all of us did the , "only once in awhile" visit to WF, they would certainly survive...i don't want them to survive, at all...sounds mean but they really are useless. Keep in mind there was a time we didn't have them, and we did ok. Remember the days many of us were in food co-ops? Now there's a blast from the past. lol peace beshiva

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Posted in reply to the post by beshiva:

with all due respect...if we could try to not do the "i only go to WF for this" sort of dialog, and we actually pay the little extra some other place...

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Elizabeth again:

I am on a limited income and use most of my "free" time to grow as much of my own goods as possible, and believe me, that takes a lot. I tried Community Market and REALLY wanted to fall in love with it, but I found the limited offerings and, frankly, the higher prices, to be, well, discouraging. I tried, though, I really did. I keep lists of my regular items and comparative prices around the immediate area, and eventually, gave up.

Your memories of food co-ops are right on the mark. Every now and again we are able to visit our buddies in Blue Lake and Arcata, and that means — ta-da — being able to shop at the Arcata Co-op. Holy moley, it really puts WF to shame. Huge, abundant, affordable. So it can be done.

We can't seem to muster the guts to boycott WF and when we try to argue with people and explain all the reasons not to go there, they say, "but, but, i can get the coolest this or that there....Hell, we are so damn lazy or not willing to just do without...that's the reason , it's not a mystery and Mr. CEO jackass of WF knows that. so the jokes on us if we aren't willing to change.

Whole Foods responds:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWUn2LYSb6g

More training is a positive step, to help with the weighing mistakes. The bottom line is they have to try cover their ass, with the negative publicity, and huge fines they've had to pay over the years. Internet exposure can be a bitch, especially when business integrity is on the line!

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Posted in reply to the post by Barry:

Whole Foods responds: ...

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Aside from the issue of cheating customers and the big fines for "mistakes", I still fail to understand how our enlightened community can support a company with big markups and a right wing owner.

Speaking just for myself, I find CM egregiously overpriced. Also, I've gone in there several times now to try to buy lunch from its hot/salad bar and never found anything competitively appealing with for example, Fiesta/Pacific.

While the latter issue may be a matter of taste, regarding the pricing my thoughts are this: t don't really understand the concept that we should spend more than we can afford to support local jobs, when local jobs are already filled at other local and more fairly priced, markets.

To sum up. Community Market I am sure has value and a place in the economy in other communities. But why here when we have a plentitude of local venues who care about us and support our community and local jobs?
I just don't get it.

It seems that being "enlightened" means different things in our community, and beyond. I've worked for many wealthy people who shopped at Whole Foods, and none of them were enlightened or conscious in my view.

So, we can believe that we're enlightened and conscious, yet the evidence points to our lack of over all awareness of the big picture, and how our own "footprint" affects so many other living beings. This topic is just about "feet on the ground" in WF, but lack of true consciousness has much further implications, as we witness in our daily lives.

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Posted in reply to the post by Richard Nichols:

Aside from the issue of cheating customers and the big fines for "mistakes", I still fail to understand how our enlightened community can support a company with big markups and a right wing owner.

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Yes on all counts. Spiritual people and communities come in all colors and shades of enlightened or not, good bad or indifferent or not, just like everyone else. I'm not even sure what it means but I do think there are many people in our community who do come from compassion and kindness.

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Posted in reply to the post by Shandi:

It seems that being "enlightened" means different things in our community, ...

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I had that same experience at CM, and wondered about it myself. I found the hot/salad bar completely unappealing, and the prices of many items much higher than I'm used to paying.

Then later I read that a food bank barrel had no donations after more than a week, so an employee put some items in, so it wouldn't look bad. I don't know if that's gotten better, or if the food bank has given up on CM shoppers.

These are the some of the details that measure our community values.

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Posted in reply to the post by gypsey:

Speaking just for myself,....

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I'm skeptical about these guys' rap. Their version of the story differs from the reports recounted earlier in this thread in at least two ways: They characterize the mistakes as being rare, and they say the mistakes are made in both directions (over-charging and under-charging). If I were to guess which side of this argument is lying, guess which ones I'd choose.

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Posted in reply to the post by Barry:

Whole Foods responds: ...

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At the risk of getting a bit tangential, I'll just say here that the more I observe this "enlightened community", the more I suspect that people's self-perception as spiritually enlightened may actually be negatively correlated with anything I'd call enlightenment.

ok...now i'm going to have to ask how did we get from WF discussion, to "enlightened" vs. enlightenment, vs...where the hell are we going to shop? ok i think it's time for me to exit...getting too discursive...it's been fun though...love,
peace beshiva

Since Whole Foods is incredibly successful and is generally considered the most healthy grocery chain in the country, they must be doing something right. Much of the criticism is valid, but as a whole I think it's unbalanced. They employ a lot of wonderful people, and I don't hear anyone on this thread considering the employment of our fellow members of the community as they talk of boycotting Whole Foods.

I've done a lot of comparison shopping throughout the years, and most packaged items are cheaper than other stores. I can't speak for Fircrest because I haven't shopped there much. Pacific is the highest, followed by Andy's and then Whole Foods. Andy's often has cheaper produce, but not much else.

For people who don't have the time to shop at 3 - 6 different markets in order to get the best prices, Whole Foods offers pretty much everything that a natural foods buyer would want. Their produce is often top quality (other than farmer's markets).

Since this thread originated with mislabeling and mispricing, I wonder if anyone thinks or knows whether the chain does this purposely or by accident. I've been overcharged in every kind of store imaginable, from chains to mom and pop. Could any store claim to be accurate on all of their pricing?

I often wonder why people go to Starbucks, and I think the answer is similar to why people go to Whole Foods. It's that you know what you're going to get, regardless of whether it's in Arizona, North Carolina, or Hawaii. And the store will be professionally run, clean and dependable. Not that I would go to Starbucks!

Ron

is the issue really about how clean WF store might be, or the products they sell, good or bad...or are we talking about the corporate entities which invade our communities? Of course, they have to hire people, and they hire a lot of young people who don't necessarily think of the ramifications of what these companies are bringing to the table, which is virtually nothing of real value.

For WF there is no connection to community, WF CEO does not support universal healthcare (that's a crying shame). I don't know if all the stores do this, but for the most part WF does not support job sharing so single moms and dads can have flexibility for their children. WF does not support local growers, WF gets many of their products out of the country(because it's so damn cheap, and they can jack prices up for us). WF could care less about labeling, WF will not fight the GMO war, and head CEO has stated so.

I know in Sebastopol people fought CVS and their overreach, and yet, i do not know what CVS has done that WF hasn't done? The bottom line for all these corporations is only $$, profit, no more, no less. there is no allegiance to people. If we did not support them they actually would go away and we would become more community oriented in business and dependent on each other. But, i am not naive, they are not going away. This has been an exercise for us to debate the growing impersonal entity of corporate greed.

peace beshiva

Corporate success doesn't automatically indicate integrity. The Corrections Corporation of America is also highly successful. Does that mean they're doing something right? We can look at the issue of GMOs, and see that both Whole Foods and Starbucks do not support labeling. Do we want to support companies that aren't in line with our deep values? Even if they employ "wonderful" young people in our community?

Criticism of something that doesn't mean that the entire system is wrong, but points out flaws that may indicate incongruency. It is the only tool we have to initiate change; the second tool is withdrawal of support. A company that values it's customers will listen, and implement changes, without defending itself or making excuses.

Boycotts and petitions have actually been able to create change. We vote with our dollars and our voices. However, it does take a mutuality of effort (unity) that isn't common, even when our basic rights are at stake, such as with the Mandatory Vaccine Law recently passed.

If we only go to places where we "know what we're going to get", that keeps us in our comfort zone, and WF and Starbucks are capitalizing on this, along with MacDonalds, KFC, or any "successful" fast food chains. Large corporations continue to eat small entities for breakfast because, as we know, everyone has a price..... WF customers are paying plenty for the privilege of knowing what they're going to get.

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Posted in reply to the post by rekarp:

Since Whole Foods is incredibly successful and is generally considered the most healthy grocery chain in the country, they must be doing something right...

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a degree of superficial spirituality, and clinging to appearances of being spiritual, does seem to my judgemental ,not very enlightened self, to drive some degree of commerce as well as ways of relating, in this community.
image, baby...
and, as well, there is a great deal of sincerity and genuineness...but, I always like to examine the blind spots , and clinging to images, of my self, and others..and see how it affects societies

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Posted in reply to the post by Dixon:

At the risk of getting a bit tangential, I'll just say here that the more I observe this "enlightened community", the more I suspect that people's self-perception as spiritually enlightened may actually be negatively correlated with anything I'd call enlightenment.

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WOW: nothing is said in this video about the PREVIOUS $800K fine for price gouging in California.
How dumb can these guys be? They obviously don't understand the "we f---ed up" playbook. Rule #! Which is: don't "Deify"- deny, explain, interpret or fudge the truth for your audience and customers.

Rule #2 :Forget about trying to control outcomes---tell it like it is and take action to make it right based on principle (ethics.)

Info about WF is out there and once again, I encourage people to do their own research and draw their own conclusions.

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Posted in reply to the post by Barry:

Whole Foods responds:...

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Posted in reply to the post by rekarp:

Since this thread originated with mislabeling and mispricing, I wonder if anyone thinks or knows whether the chain does this purposely or by accident. I've been overcharged in every kind of store imaginable, from chains to mom and pop. Could any store claim to be accurate on all of their pricing?

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If these were accidental, random mispricings, they would be uncommon and would be just as likely to be underpricings as overpricings. The report mentioned in the initial post of this thread quotes the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs as saying: "...we repeatedly found problems that were incredibly pervasive" and mentions that "The Consumer Affairs Department said it tested 80 different types of pre-packaged products and found mislabeled weights for each." 80 out of 80 samples from 8 different WF stores mislabeled! Does that seem accidental to you, rekarp--especially in light of WF previously having been fined $800,000 for similar shenanigans?

Corporations? Integrity? Those are two completely and mutually exclusive words. Corporations don't know the meaning of the word Integrity.
Corporation: a group of people engaged in the practice of lying and cheating in order to maximize profits for a few wealthy investors.

:2cents:

I am sorry you need to paint with such a broad brush. Your definition and attitude makes me very sad for you.. For a fact, there are yruly responsible corporations out there. Why not research and then celebrate them?

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Posted in reply to the post by Imagery:

Corporations? Integrity? Those are two completely and mutually exclusive words. Corporations don't know the meaning of the word Integrity.
Corporation: a group of people engaged in the practice of lying and cheating in order to maximize profits for a few wealthy investors.

:2cents:

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Posted in reply to the post by Imagery:

Corporations? Integrity? Those are two completely and mutually exclusive words. Corporations don't know the meaning of the word Integrity.
Corporation: a group of people engaged in the practice of lying and cheating in order to maximize profits for a few wealthy investors.

:2cents:

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Sounds like our government.

I subscribe to "Positive News", "Re-Shareworthy", "Upworthy" and "The Good News Times", which gives me some balance, in the ocean of greed and deceit that has caused so much suffering.

Corporations are kind of like children. When they're behavior is representative of our values, we appreciate them, but when they cause problems for the family and others, we need to step up to the plate, and admonish them. Part of our role as consumers is much the same. We need to be aware of the ease in which we can be deceived, and "blow the whistle" in an effort to protect others.

There are many corporations that look "responsible" at first glance, but the dark underbelly is usually well hidden, until the day of exposure. We need to know about these more than the others so that we can withdraw our financial support, because profits do matter to most corporations, many times at our physical, mental, and emotional expense.

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Posted in reply to the post by gypsey:

I am sorry you need to paint with such a broad brush. Your definition and attitude makes me very sad for you.. For a fact, there are yruly responsible corporations out there. Why not research and then celebrate them?

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Dixon,

This is almost in the realm of conspiracy theory. Does it seem possible to you that the company would have a policy, implemented down through the chain of command, to purposely misprice and mislabel their merchandise? And that no one, even those making a piddling $10 per hour, would be a whisleblower? I know quite a few people that have worked for Whole Foods, including someone who managed stores in Marin and Sonoma counties for over 10 years, and if they are dishonest to that extent, then I have surely been fooled.

I'm not sure how this type of thing happens, or even if it is as significant as the media is reporting. Maybe it is lack of training, or poor procedures. To answer your question, I can't comment on New York, but here in Northern California I don't personally believe that the employees are being directed to misprice and mislabel items.

Ron

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Posted in reply to the post by Dixon:

If these were accidental, random mispricings, they would be uncommon and would be just as likely to be underpricings as overpricings. The report mentioned in the initial post of this thread quotes the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs as saying: "...we repeatedly found problems that were incredibly pervasive" and mentions that "The Consumer Affairs Department said it tested 80 different types of pre-packaged products and found mislabeled weights for each." 80 out of 80 samples from 8 different WF stores mislabeled! Does that seem accidental to you, rekarp--especially in light of WF previously having been fined $800,000 for similar shenanigans?

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Posted in reply to the post by rekarp:

Dixon,

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Yes?

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This is almost in the realm of conspiracy theory.

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Almost? If it's true that they're purposely overpricing to rip people off, that would fit the definition of conspiracy. You do understand that there is such a thing as a conspiracy, don't you? Or are you one of those who thinks that labeling something a "conspiracy theory" refutes it?

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Does it seem possible to you that the company would have a policy, implemented down through the chain of command, to purposely misprice and mislabel their merchandise?

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Yes. Keep in mind that nobody's saying it's company-wide (AFAIK), though it could be. The report we've seen in this thread was specific to the New York stores. I find it entirely plausible to imagine that whoever oversees those stores could implement such a scam.

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And that no one, even those making a piddling $10 per hour, would be a whisleblower?

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You're assuming there was no whistleblower? How then did the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs get wind of the problem?

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I know quite a few people that have worked for Whole Foods, including someone who managed stores in Marin and Sonoma counties for over 10 years, and if they are dishonest to that extent, then I have surely been fooled.

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Has anyone made accusations about the Marin and Sonoma County stores, or just the NYC ones?

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I'm not sure how this type of thing happens, or even if it is as significant as the media is reporting. Maybe it is lack of training, or poor procedures.

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Again, mis-pricing that is pervasive (80 out of 80 sampled) and mostly or entirely in the over-priced rather than under-priced direction (which I think is what the agency's report implied) is just NOT explainable in terms of "lack of training, or poor procedures". I'm not at all attached to seeing the stores as being crooked, rekarp, but I don't see any other explanation for the facts as reported, and no strong reason to assume the agency's report is inaccurate. If you had an alternate hypothesis that could explain the facts, your rap would be more convincing. Until then, I'll continue to suggest that there's something rotten in Denmark--or at least in NYC.

I don't think it's a training policy; that would be foolish. Although, their reply was that "employee training" would be better. So, the implications are that it's "mistakes" being made by the employees. I don't know the details of these errors, other than the weighing issue. UPC codes should prevent mistakes, but they are dependent on someone who puts those into the system.

Only yesterday, I bought something at CVS that was listed as "buy one, get second for 50%" That was the only reason I bought two. I rarely watch the register as items are being rung up. For some reason, before I got in my car, I checked the receipt. It showed full price. So, I went back in, and talked to the cashier. I knew that she hadn't personally over-charged me; she just scanned the UPC codes. She said maybe the sign was mis-placed. I told her that I didn't think so. I usually check those things because they do often get mis-placed by those stocking the shelves. This isn't intentional, but a result of going too fast, or not paying attention. We all make these kinds of mistakes in life. This is a root cause of most accidents, in the home and on the road. She checked, and the sale price had not be entered in the system. This is caused by the same reasons.

Several weeks ago when I was at Raley's, I saw a shelf tag for goat cheese that was $3 less than the normal price I pay, but it wasn't a sale price. I was curious. It was a brand that I've bought before at other stores, so I was familiar with the price. I took it to the checker, and asked if this was really the price. He asked "what would you expect to pay?" I told him. He had someone check on it, and they discovered that the cheese had been stocked in the wrong place, and this was the price for a smaller package. He asked if I still wanted it, and I said no. He told me I could have it at the shelf price, so I got it. Those details are so tiny, I'd need a magnifying glass to check, so I usually just trust the shelf price.

I do believe that sale tags can be placed in a way that the customer thinks somethings on sale when it's the item above or below it. This represents store policy, and may be a sneaky way to fool customers who aren't paying attention. If I see an item that appears to have a sale tag, I check how the tags are placed. Are they below or above other items? I have discovered that many times I could have easily paid more if I hadn't been "paying attention".

These kinds of things are not concerns for those with high income; they're more concerned about quality. I was once given $250 to buy some shoes to match my boss"s outfit. She told me to try to find some at that price. I went to several upscale stores, but the only pair I could find was $175. This was a last minute purchase, so I didn't have the luxury of coming back. I bought the shoes, and hoped they would be acceptable. When she saw them, she said "They're perfect! They look as if they were made for my dress!" I admitted that I had only paid $175, and she was O.K. with that.

Most people who shop at Whole Foods, have the money, and expect to pay higher prices, and may be motivated by the premise that "you get what you pay for". They're not looking for bargains. Those who are hooked by the orientation of "healthier" food and quality products, get scooped up in the "net" of what WF stands for, as Ron pointed out "generally considered the most healthy grocery chain in the country".

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Posted in reply to the post by rekarp:

Dixon,

This is almost in the realm of conspiracy theory. Does it seem possible to you that the company would have a policy, implemented down through the chain of command, to purposely misprice ...

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Yes I do think there are consipiracies, which is what it would have to be if it's a regional or company wide policy to overcharge customers.

Maybe Whole Foods management in NYC is corrupt and did implement a pricing scam.
An alternative explanation is that the NYC Department of Internal Affairs is also corrupt, and that this is a shakedown.

Hopefully, more of the truth will be revealed.

The reason I brought up the local area stores is that Whole Foods in California have also been fined for similar reasons.

Ron

This is from Wkipedia

Criticism and controversy[edit]

Whole Foods has frequently been the subject of resistance or boycotts in response to proposed store locations.^{[99][100][101][102]} The corporation has also been criticized for its aggressive policy of promoting its own in house brands (e.g. 365) at the expense of smaller or local independent brands.^[103]
On August 11, 2009, Whole Foods CEO John Mackey published an editorial in The Wall Street Journal criticizing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act;^[104] the editorial was controversial in the natural foods community.^[105]
The company has created other controversies at various times involving business practices, labor issues, product selection, and failure to support farmers and suppliers.^[106] In January 2011, they were criticized by the Organic Consumers Association for "surrendering" to global food giant Monsanto by selling GMO foods;^[107] in March 2013, Whole Foods promised to label GMO-containing products in North American stores by 2018.^[108] The company has drawn criticism for questionable science behind the claims of benefit of its products.^[109][110] Including encouraging and selling drugs that are described to work under homeopathic principles despite the fact that homeopathy is pseudoscience.^[111]
In 2013, two workers in Albuquerque, New Mexico were suspended for speaking Spanish. The resulting investigation revealed that Whole Foods has a policy of speaking "English to customers and other Team Members while on the clock".^[112][113] The company soon revised its policy.^[114]
The company was later caught overcharging customers in its California stores, and has agreed to pay an $800,000 settlement.^[115] Whole Foods continued overcharging customers despite the settlement, with investigators alleging thousands of continued violations well into 2015.^[116]
In May 2014, Whole Foods launched a pilot program to sell rabbit meat in 5 of its 12 market regions.^[117] Because domestic rabbits are the third most common pet in the United States ^[118]as well as an animal rescued and sheltered alongside cats and dogs, this decision triggered a nationwide boycott of Whole Foods by the House Rabbit Society and their supporters.^[119] In June 2014 Whole Foods awarded a financial grant to Oz Family Farms,^[120] a family owned rabbit meat business.
In January 2015, a group of activists organized under the network Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) released a video of laying hens from a Northern California farm that supplies eggs to Whole Foods. In the video, which featured footage of crowded, dirty henhouses and injured birds, DxE contended that the hens' welfare was severely compromised, even though numerous boards had labeled the farm as "Certified Humane".^[121]

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Posted in reply to the post by rekarp:

Yes I do think there are consipiracies, which is what it would have to be if it's a regional or company wide policy to overcharge customers.

Maybe Whole Foods management in NYC is corrupt and did implement a pricing scam.
An alternative explanation is that the NYC Department of Internal Affairs is also corrupt, and that this is a shakedown.

Hopefully, more of the truth will be revealed.

The reason I brought up the local area stores is that Whole Foods in California have also been fined for similar reasons.

Ron

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Gentlemen,
It is entirely within the realm of reasonable possibility that this is a bona-fide scam implemented by one or two people -- BY RIGGING THE COMPUTERS used to code, identify, and label the merchandise. It is a lot like rigging the voting machines. One person with knowledge and access can wreak a lot of havoc and leave almost no trace.

I must concur that a widespread conspiracy and shady activity by a large number (i.e., 3+) of managers and employees is unlikely. There are simply too many opportunities for it to be discovered or outed.

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Posted in reply to the post by Dixon:

... Again, mis-pricing that is pervasive (80 out of 80 sampled) and mostly or entirely in the over-priced rather than under-priced direction (which I think is what the agency's report implied) is just NOT explainable in terms of "lack of training, or poor procedures". I'm not at all attached to seeing the stores as being crooked, rekarp, but I don't see any other explanation for the facts as reported, and no strong reason to assume the agency's report is inaccurate. If you had an alternate hypothesis that could explain the facts, your rap would be more convincing. Until then, I'll continue to suggest that there's something rotten in Denmark--or at least in NYC.

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Posted in reply to the post by tomcat:

My wife always goes over every receipt before she leaves every store. She has found problems like overcharging and double charging and a couple of times undercharging at EVERY store we have ever shopped at in every area, but not every time. That's right folks... It's not JUST Whole Foods...People do make mistakes.

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Tom, I think you (and some others in the discussion) are confusing two separate issues. On the one hand, we have honest mistakes, which everyone makes. Of course every store will have some accidental mispricing. That should go without saying. On the other hand, we have purposeful ripoffs through mispricing. These are two very different things; let's not muddy the waters by confusing them. When the mispricing is so pervasive that 80 out of 80 samples are mispriced (and 80 is a pretty good sample size for this sort of research), and when the researchers stress that the problem in these stores is the most pervasive they've ever seen, we're dealing with the latter problem; it's a ripoff, not a mistake. Belaboring the point that everyone makes mistakes is just irrelevant to the discussion.

I again state what to me is obvious. Regardless whether the pricing is a mistake or not, it still amazes me that so many people support an overpriced store whose CEO is against things like affordable healthcare.

Shandi also described several mis-labeling incidents at local grocery stores and made a similar "buyer beware" suggestion. You both have given good advice. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences.

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Posted in reply to the post by tomcat:

... I thought My post was very relevant to the discussion as it gives people the awareness that they should be checking their prices and charges everywhere, not just Whole Foods. As far as I know, Whole Foods stores locally have not been accused of cheating like the ones in New York, but I'll bet you could find a mismarked item there just as you probably could at any other store.

I was just saying to 'Be Aware' and I think that is relevant to the discussion, again, by focusing on 'Local' because I thought that this is where one posts such things. ...

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Richard,

The reason why I originally responded to this post is that a few people on this list were wondering the exact same question, as if their conclusions about Whole Foods are obvious and should be universally accepted. That's obviously not true, as evidenced by the continued popularity and success of the chain.

The issue of Whole Foods is similar to many other issues that progressive people are concerned about, and there are so many reasons and opinions why people don't act together and do something about it. Here's a recent article in The Nation by Naomi Klein, in which she talks about how we can't accomplish much of anything just with individual actions, and that we must work together to affect systemic change:https://www.thenation.com/article/we...this-together/

I've already written a post in which I queston whether Whole Foods is overpriced in relation to other stores in the area. If you are a "natural foods" or organic buyer, you will pay a lot more for your food regardless of whether you buy it at a farmer's market, Community Market, Whole Foods, Pacific, or wherever else you may wish to shop. You can get some organic deals at Costco or Walmart, but that brings up a lot of other questions.

Yes the CEO has some very non-progressive beliefs as you say, but he is not the company. Do you buy gasoline, use electricity, shop at Target, CVS, Rite AID or other corporations? Do you know their values? Do you think any CEO's of oil companies are better than the CEO of Whole Foods?

Whether or not to shop at Whole Foods is small change in comparison to the larger issues of how our society is organized, climate change, etc. Organizing to put Whole Foods out of business won't help at all if it's replaced by some other company with similar values, or by an organic Walmart or Safeway.

Ron

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Posted in reply to the post by Richard Nichols:

I again state what to me is obvious. Regardless whether the pricing is a mistake or not, it still amazes me that so many people support an overpriced store whose CEO is against things like affordable healthcare.

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I would be surprised if any of us think that we could put Whole Foods out of business. But I do think that many people who shop at WF aren't aware of what may be outright deception. People who support GMO labeling might not want to support those who oppose it.

It's similar to learning about how to decipher ingredients, so we can read labels knowledgeably. There are actually many products I've stopped buying because I learned things about the ingredients that have been shown to cause harmful side effects to health, both mine and my cat's.

Marketing covers a multitude of "sins" for want of a better word. Look how aluminum was promoted, and we bought it. Do you use it for cooking? I don't know anyone that isn't aware of it's harmful effects. Fluoride is a similar substance that's promoted as having positive benefits in protecting against tooth decay. Why is it banned in many countries? Are these people unwittingly setting their children up for rotten teeth?

Becoming aware of various tactics/strategies to separate us from our money and our health is to our advantage. Questioning the status quo is a wise way to live, and sharing what we discover shows caring and concern for our friends, neighbors and even strangers. We share without attachment to the response. We don't manipulate or coerce; that's what we're opposed to.

Today I came across something called THE BLACK LIST, which I'd never seen before. It's a list of 12 companies that support GMOs. It reminded me of the "DIRTY DOZEN" that we're encouraged to buy organic. This is a very long list, so I won't post it here, but I want to share the website address for those who may be interested. https://eatlocalgrown.com/article/11357-blacklisted-12-food-companies-to-avoid.html/ They also show a list of good labels to look for, but warn that when companies get bought out, ingredients may change without notice to consumers. This has also happened with pet foods many times because people continue to buy the same brand they always have, until they notice changes in the food or their pet's health.

I'm going to post in the community category, since many people may miss it in this ongoing thread, since they've read enough, and don't want waste anymore of their time.

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Posted in reply to the post by rekarp:

...The issue of Whole Foods is similar to many other issues that progressive people are concerned about, ...

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Whole Foods requires GMO labeling on all products they carry.

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Posted in reply to the post by Shandi:

I would be surprised if any of us think that we could put Whole Foods out of business. But I do think that many people who shop at WF aren't aware of what may be outright deception. People who support GMO labeling might not want to support those who oppose it.

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Posted in reply to the post by scamperwillow:

Whole Foods requires GMO labeling on all products they carry.

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..."required"? And should we trust this when Monsanto executives sit on their Board of Directors? Just sayin'....

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Posted in reply to the post by scamperwillow:

Whole Foods requires GMO labeling on all products they carry.

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What do you understand the phrase 'requires GMO labeling' to mean? It could mean many things from hardly saying anything like 'some GMO' to being comprehensive about identifying exactly which ingredients are GMO. I've only taken notice of some packages saying 'no GMO'.

Whole Foods stocks huge amounts of products from deceptively named subsidiaries of GMO giants Coca-Cola, Con-Agra, Dean, Hain, Kellogs, Kraft, Nestle, Pepsi-Co, and others like in the list Shandi posted that I posted similarly years ago. They're listing their GMO's?

Re pricing, I unfortunately also find that Andy's charges way more for a lot of products Whole Foods carries, only sometimes vice-versa.

BTW, if any organic foodies don't know and are ever in Fairfax, the flagship of the future of organic grocery stores to me is Good Earth. It's a gigantic, very strict organic/noGMO grocery and also has a huge selection of hot food and made to order hot food/seating. V..e..r..y pricey, but health foodie heaven and lots of products not available around here.

If you do some research, you will find evidence that Whole Foods opposed GMO labeling, but eventually they realized that this was not wise economically. They gave a paltry $25,000 to the effort, only when they were exposed by alternative media.

Prior to that, there is some evidence that employees were advised to lie about GMO products, but I don't have that specific information at hand. I saw a YouTube video of some employees being interviewed.

"Sometime between November 2012 and March 2013, Whole Foods executives made a decision to finally get behind GMO labeling. They announced that all the foods they carry would need to be labeled with GMO content by 2018. As StreetInsider.comreports:

Whole Foods Market announced... that, by 2018, all products in its U.S. and Canadian stores must be labeled to indicate whether they contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It is the first national grocery chain to set a deadline for full GMO transparency.

On the surface, this was immediately heralded as a highly ethical leadership decision by the market leader in health food retailing, but behind the scenes an entirely different equation was being calculated. Whole Foods CEO John Mackey never makes a decision unless it's in his financial interest to do so, and as his history of false-identity Wild Oats blogging shows, he's not beyond engaging in wild deceptions in order to make more money for himself and his investors.

Promoting GMO labeling isn't simple a choice of ethics for Whole Foods, it's a matter of economic survival."

Natural News source

More info here.

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Posted in reply to the post by scamperwillow:

Whole Foods requires GMO labeling on all products they carry.

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Whole Foods Accused of Suckering Customers With Sugar Synonyms

https://www.takepart.com/article/201...eml-2015-07-09

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Posted in reply to the post by tomcat:

No Dixon. I am not confused by anything about the New York situation. There were 80 out of 80 mismarked. I made reference to it by saying that I don't know whats going on there (other than what I've read) and even the investigators don't know why it happened, they just know that it happened. Whether it was purposeful or accidental has not been established (proven) yet as far as I know.

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Until such time as you or someone proposes a plausible account for how such unprecedentedly consistent overpricing could be accidental, you will excuse me for assuming it's almost surely a purposeful ripoff. Fair enough?

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But that's New York, Not Sonoma County.
My post was about our local situation because this is where I thought we posted about our General Community.
I thought My post was very relevant to the discussion as it gives people the awareness that they should be checking their prices and charges everywhere, not just Whole Foods. As far as I know, Whole Foods stores locally have not been accused of cheating like the ones in New York, but I'll bet you could find a mismarked item there just as you probably could at any other store.
I was just saying to 'Be Aware' and I think that is relevant to the discussion, again, by focusing on 'Local' because I thought that this is where one posts such things.
My impression was that the original poster on this thread was giving us a heads up about Whole Foods just in case the problem was organization wide and not just a New York problem.

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Tom, thanks for the clarification. You make a good point, though I will reiterate here that the previous $800,000 fine levied against Whole Foods was for consistent overpricing here in California (not sure if it included Sonoma County).

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I'm sure you will pick This post apart and correct me (again) where you think I am wrong.
And That, folks, is why I don't post much on this Board anymore... probably some of you too, eh?

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Tom, let me suggest that, when someone politely disagrees with you, citing specific things you've said, (regardless whether they're right or wrong) and you characterize that negatively as "pick[ing] This post apart", that says more about you than it does about the other guy.

OH god its the anti W F rant AGAIN!

there was a state wide study about 10 yrs ago that pointed out that stores(all of them) make MILLIONS on bar codes that are incorrect !! (and funny but always in favor of the store,not the consumer!! so check your receipt when you buy!

Andy's often does not put a Label on the shelf! you are supposed to just be rich enough you dont CARE how much it costs !?

big fuggin deal,excuse me,but I don't get exited about this.

WF is just like safe way,all the big phamas ,wall mart etc suks and is corporate and will stay there and SELL LIKE hotcakes while the vegans wave dead bunnies or whatever.( i have a Safeway card)am I letting the world die?

they provide a service

W F cheapest place to get a decent snack in town all the big W F's in Santa Rosa give SAMPLES
Yum a free light lunch

compelling! and still cheaper than neighboring restaurants ..I even like COSTCO (total free food and just think a PALLET of Round up! wow


We shop at trader Joe's, the DELI at the Yolupa Ave Whole foods is good!
Oliver's is better all around but is ALLOVER Pricier !

I like the big W F in Santa Rosa at coddingtown FOOD DISNEY LAND but the deli ruins vegetable daily and refuses to notice. Great BREW PUB! if you want to learn about local and other beers and winses

so stop whining! or teach community market that not everybody likes hippy food.
lentil whatever with ?sauce....I'll pass and just as costly as W F .
Hate industry? but remember we'd all be groveling without them
there are too many people to feed

and in SR 3/4 of us are Mexicans and do not even care about all this blather..they shop at Smart and Final and food max and grocery outlett(Used Foods)

did you publish this in spanish?

why do we automatically assume so many things?
Fads

Bravo! Well put. Much ado about nothing. Well, let's grant that there is a problem. Just one of many "glitches" of the technology that permeates all aspects of modern life. Yes. Take responsibility. Pay attention. Check labels & receipts. And submit complaints to local stores and corporate headquarters. Perhaps constant pressure will encourage them to better monitor and fine tune their system. Perhaps we'll see yet another phone "app" to deal with the problem! There are bigger battles to fight.

Speaking as a consumer who appreciates Whole Foods, a company which despite its flaws, has raised the bar for the food industry and especially the big chains. Speaking as someone one who strives to shop strategically and consciously at WF...at Sprouts ...at Trader Joe's etc..