**Aldi Customer Disgusted After Opening Mouldy Pasta Packet**
A visit to the local supermarket is usually an unremarkable part of life in the UK, with stores like Aldi attracting thousands of customers each week seeking affordable essentials. However, for one customer, a routine shop turned into a source of serious disgust when she discovered something unexpected inside her shopping basket—a mould-ridden pack of spaghetti.
Joanne Louise, a shopper who frequently visits her nearby Aldi branch, shared her unsettling experience on social media after purchasing what she assumed would be a standard pack of dried pasta to prepare an evening meal. Upon opening the packet with the intention of making spaghetti bolognese, Joanne was met with an unsavoury surprise: spaghetti visibly covered in green mould.
In her online video, Joanne appealed to her viewers with exasperation. “So, I’ve just opened this brand new packet of spaghetti. I’m asking – what bin does this go in?” she questioned, expressing frustration at the state of her purchase. She further added, “Aldi spaghetti. There’s nothing wrong with it—except for the mould.” The footage clearly showed a significant portion of the pasta tainted by mould, rendering it unfit for human consumption.
Joanne’s reaction was one of revulsion, and she admitted in the comments beneath her video that the incident had left her feeling “sick,” stating, “It makes me gag thinking about it.” Her sentiments seemed to be shared by numerous viewers, some of whom suggested she reach out to Aldi for a replacement or refund. Others reacted with the well-known “sick face” emoji, illustrating just how disturbing many found the discovery.
Incidents involving unexpected finds in otherwise staple grocery products are not wholly unprecedented in the supermarket industry. Over recent years, consumers have occasionally reported similar issues, prompting discussions about quality control and packaging integrity within stores. In this instance, however, Aldi was quick to clarify that no other complaints of this specific nature had been reported regarding their dried pasta products.
A spokesperson for Aldi responded to the incident, offering reassurance to concerned customers. “Although rare, situations like this may happen if packaging is damaged at any point prior to consumption, as this can allow moisture to enter and spoil the contents,” the spokesperson explained. Aldi went on to express regret, stating, “We are sorry that in this instance, the product did not meet our usual high standards. Anyone not entirely satisfied with a purchase is welcome to return it to any Aldi store for a full refund.”
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of food safety and vigilance, both from manufacturers and consumers. While it is generally uncommon for dried foods such as pasta to become mouldy, especially when properly sealed, damage to packaging during handling and transit can occasionally compromise product quality.
Meanwhile, Aldi continues to attract shoppers with its array of budget-friendly “Special Buys”, particularly those found in the middle aisle of its stores. Recent weeks have seen an influx of new and returning products, ranging from kitchen gadgets to affordable beauty items. This eclectic selection is often welcomed by customers looking for bargains, and the supermarket’s competitive pricing remains a strong draw.
Nonetheless, the pasta incident serves as a reminder for consumers to inspect packaging before purchase and consumption. It also underscores the challenges retailers face in ensuring consistent quality, especially when dealing with mass-produced goods. While Aldi’s refund policy may provide reassurance, the shock and disgust experienced by Joanne Louise are not easily forgotten.
As supermarkets continue to evolve, balancing variety, affordability, and rigorous quality standards remains an ongoing challenge. For now, shoppers are reminded to remain vigilant and report any concerns directly to retailers—a step that not only assists in resolving individual complaints but also aids broader efforts to maintain food safety across the industry.