Shoprite Southgate rotten cheese

On 27 September 2025, I visited Shoprite Southgate to purchase groceries for my family, spending a total of R3,816.29. Upon unpacking the items at home, my 9-year-old daughter noticed that the cheese we had bought was visibly mouldy. She said, “Papa, I would not eat this cheese,” and pointed out the green spots inside. I was shocked to discover that the product was indeed rotten. Please see the attached image for reference. The following day, 28 September 2025, I returned to Shoprite Southgate to lodge a formal complaint. I spoke with the floor manager, Ms Viola, who advised me to submit this written complaint. She also mentioned that the senior manager would contact me on 29 September 2025. I would like to draw your attention to the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) of 2008, which prohibits the sale of food that is unfit for human consumption. Specifically:

Section 55: Consumers have the right to receive goods that are safe and of good quality. Section 61: Suppliers are strictly liable for any harm caused by unsafe goods, including food poisoning. This is not the first time I’ve had a negative experience with Shoprite. I previously purchased juice from your store that resulted in a hospital visit. These repeated incidents have eroded my trust in your brand.

I am deeply concerned about the health and emotional impact this has had on my daughter. I kindly request that Shoprite management consider reimbursing me for the petrol costs incurred in returning to the store, as well as the distress caused to my child. Good day

I received a call from Shoprite Southgate, Viola regarding this matter.

She advised that I should drive again to the shop to get refund for the cheese.

I have issues of using my own petrol going to the shop sorting a matter of the shop selling rotten stuff.

Who is going to sort out the petrol I am used yesterday and whenever I am going to fetch whose petrol again. I do not understand this. Where is TCF? Shoprite still did not respond to my email communication. This is arrogance and they do not care about the wellbeing of their consumers.

I have requested that i be contacted on my cellphone number, nothing is happening.