I sent a letter to Blooms, received an e-mail asking me to call, I called, provided a little more info and received another follow up e-mail. I didn't expect anything out of my e-mail, but was pleasantly surprised with their follow though.
My initial letter
I was in your store on 9 October 2009 and purchased 3 bone in pork chops, that were labeled as ‘fresh’ and had absolutely nothing else on the label that would make me think they were anything but ‘fresh’. I took them home, lightly salted and peppered and grilled. Sat down with my family to eat and my first bite I immediately knew this meat was not ‘fresh’ pork, it was ‘enhanced’ pork. Meaning, the pork had additives in it that include but are not limited to sodium phosphates, broth, etc. The meat tasted like all other enhanced pork does, like salty ham. We tossed the pork into the trash, yes it was that bad. It is an FDA requirement that enhanced meat be properly labeled, which this meat was absolutely not. Your store does not have discretion on this. Had I or someone on a sodium restrictive diet eaten this, there could have potentially been a health concern. I am requesting you investigate why ‘enhanced’ meat is being sold as ‘fresh’ meat in your store and would like to know what your conclusion is before I elevate this with the FDA.
Blooms initial follow up.
October 14, 2009
Mr. Larry Wolfe
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for your recent email. We sincerely appreciate you contacting us.
Our company would greatly value the opportunity to speak with you to obtain detailed product information regarding the Pork Chops you purchased in our store. Unfortunately, we are not able to contact you by phone. Please call us at your earliest convenience, as we would truly like to assist you.
Again, Mr. Wolfe, thank you for taking the time to contact us. If I may be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to let me know.
A Leader in Your Community,
Kelly Smoot
Consumer Research Specialist
Ref 2569530/kelsmo
Their final response after a brief phone conversation
October 15, 2009
Mr. Larry Wolfe
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for your recent phone call regarding the circumstances you encountered with us. I very much appreciate your contacting our company.
It is extremely important to our company that you took the time to notify us of your experience with the Bone In Pork Chops you purchased in our store. We truly appreciate the feedback we receive from you, our valued customer. Please accept our apologies for this incident, as it is certainly not representative of the high standard of quality we strive to offer our customers. We have forwarded the information in regards to the product you purchased to the appropriate individuals within our supply chain. You may be assured that all concerns are taken very seriously and are thoroughly reviewed. If, at any time, you are not satisfied with our products, please do not hesitate to return the item(s) and the receipt to the store, as our manager on duty will be happy to refund the full amount. We hope you will try this item again in good faith, and your next experience will restore your confidence in the quality of our products.
Please accept my sincere apology for your concerns. We truly value what our customers tell us and can assure you that our senior management personnel will review your comments. Again, Mr. Wolfe, thank you and if I can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact me.
A Leader in Your Community,
Kelly Smoot
Consumer Research Specialist
Ref 2570912/kelsmo
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