Ontario mom Amy Mastromattei is speaking out after discovering a blade in her toddler’s organic snack and felt very let down when Metro offered her a $25 gift card.
An Ontario mother is sharing her experience after she claims to have found a “jagged” metal blade inside a bag of dried fruit she bought for her two-year-old daughter from a grocery store.
The incident took place on April 10, after the mother purchased a bag of Organic Dried Fruit Blend from a Metro grocery store located near Merivale Road and Viewmount Drive in Ottawa. The product is also made and owned by the company Metro.
“My daughter was eating a snack… and there was a metal blade right in the middle of it,” said 38-year-old Amy Mastromattei.
“Thank the Lord she didn’t get injured.”
Mastromattei described the object as being about four inches long, with an obvious sharpened edge.
METAL BLADE A metal blade found at an Ottawa grocery store has sparked investigations from management to the federal government (Photo by Amy Mastromattei).
Footage reviewed by showed the blade inside the opened package.
“As I looked in the package, I noticed there was a metal blade. It’s kind of jagged… you can see that the blade has cranberry over it, so it’s clearly from their factory,” she said.
She mentioned that her family frequently shops at this location and expects quality checks to be standard practice.
“We pay extra for organic food not to have metal in our snacks, especially a snack that we give to our kids,” she added, noting that her children are two-and-a-half years old and nine months old.
“She could have eaten it.. My nine-month-old could have picked it up and eaten it,” she said.
Source link
Declining a $25 gift card
After finding the blade, Mastromattei says her husband quickly contacted the store but was confused when he discovered that all they could offer was a $25 gift card. To receive this gift card, they were told they needed to return the item as soon as possible. “I just don’t believe (a $25 gift card) is acceptable. I would sue if I could… I shouldn’t have to worry about my two-year-old eating metal.” reached out to the company, and during a phone conversation, officials stated that staff thought they would need to examine the item further. They also mentioned that this seems to be an “isolated” incident but are conducting an ongoing review. Meanwhile, the couple says they’re considering other options including potential legal action. METRO People shop inside a Metro grocery store in Toronto, Tuesday, July 18, 2023. Bargaining continues between the retailer and its nearly 3,700 employees as a strike deadline of 11:59 pm fast approaches. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole BurstonOngoing investigations
In their statement, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency informed it is “aware of the reported incident” and is “conducting a food safety investigation following a complaint received by its Ottawa office.” It’s uncertain how long this investigation will last; however, they stated investigations may include tracing distribution routes, inspecting facilities, and evaluating health risks. If any product is determined dangerous, it could lead to recalls or other preventive actions. Metro confirmed they’ve contacted the manufacturer and are reviewing what happened. “We are very sorry to hear about this incident and apologize to the customer involved,” stated the company. “The safety of our customers is our top priority.. we take matters like this extremely seriously.” Going forward , Mastromattei hopes closer inspections will take place throughout all levels of distribution , adding , “I would hope that their quality control would know thatthebladebrokeitandthattheywouldrecalltheitemsbeforethishappened , ” shesaid.She also wants parents to remember one thing.“Always monitor your kids’ snacks… This stuff does happen.”Source link
