‘Rat race’ to get store’s cookies

SHOPPER’S SHOCK: IT WAS ‘FEASTING ON THE YUMMIES’

Mouse munching on confectioneries in supermarket sets off hygiene worries.

AShoprite customer was recently unpleasantly surprised at the selection in the store’s bakery when a rodent popped up in the confectionery display cabinet.

The customer, Pretty Ndhlovu, took to Facebook in June to expose the apparently lax hygiene at Shoprite. The post has since resurfaced, causing a storm on Twitter and Facebook, with some pledging to boycott Shoprite.

Ndhlovu’s post read: “Today I decided to grab a pie from Shoprite Yeoville … Got to the ovens and waited for help, which took 10 good minutes of pure neglect. The counter was unattended but since I wanted that pie I exercised patience. THEN BOOM, Mr Rat was right in front of me feasting on those yummies. When I took out my phone to take pictures, that’s when I saw the staff flocking from all corners.”

Although the post references a rat, it is clear it was a mouse feasting on gingerbread.

Shoprite Yeoville apologised profusely yesterday in a statement. “We are sorry such an unfortunate incident happened in our store. We took action on June 5 to address the problem and all affected stock was destroyed.

“We have also implemented pest control measures and prevented any rodents entering the store from outside. We assure you that food safety and hygiene are non-negotiable in our business.”

Twitter users were not convinced. Some said they had seen similar health breaches at Shoprite. –

Picture: EPA-EFE Community members of Lenasia protest against the invaders of an open piece of land near their houses yesterday. The area has seen thousands of illegal shacks being erected over the past months.