Trader Joe's has suddenly issued an important warning for its customers.
The grocery chain, with more than 530 stores in the U.S., is recalling a couple of its products. The reason it is doing so is attention-grabbing.
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The products with the problem are Trader Joe's Almond Windmill Cookies and its Joe's Dark Chocolate Chunk and Almond Cookies.
Specifically, the cookies to be concerned about have sell-by dates from Oct. 17 to Oct. 21, 2023.
Those cookies have recently been discovered to contain rocks.
"If you purchased or received any donations of Almond Windmill Cookies and/or Dark Chocolate Chunk and Almond Cookies, please do not eat them," Trader Joe's wrote in an announcement. "We urge you to discard the product or return it to any Trader Joe’s for a full refund."
Trader Joe's said the products are no longer on its stores' shelves.
"All potentially affected product has been removed from sale and destroyed," the company said in its announcement.
Why the Rocks Appeared Is Left Unexplained
The company did not say exactly how rocks would have appeared in their products.
"Trader Joe’s did not specify how the rocks may have made their way into the cookies, and just noted that the company was alerted of the "potential foreign material" by a supplier, the Associated Press reported.
Trader Joe's describes itself as a neighborhood grocery store. It's proactive alert to the problem will likely be appreciated by its customers.
But the idea of rocks in its cookies is alarming.
"We are committed to providing our customers outstanding value in the form of the best quality products at the best everyday prices," Trader Joe's wrote on its website.
On Twitter, Trader Joe's Reviews posted photos of the recalled products.
Trader Joe’s recall on Almond Windmill Cookies and Dark Chocolate Chunk and Almond Cookies
— Trader Joe’s Reviews (@RateTraderJoes) July 21, 2023
Product with the below SELL BY date codes may contain rocks:
Almond Windmill: 10/19/23 through 10/21/23
Dark Chocolate Chunk and Almond: 10/17/23 through 10/21/23 pic.twitter.com/PYGNFMXKKw
The Company Explains Why It's a Different Type of Grocery Store
Unlike its competitor Whole Foods, owned by Amazon (AMZN) -), Trader Joe's is a privately-held company. It says it has it has high standards and explains that its business model includes assessments of quality for its products.
At Trader Joe's, you won't find a lot of branded items. Instead, you’ll discover a store full of unique and interesting products, along with everyday basics, in the Trader Joe's label.
Our buyers travel the world searching for products we think are exceptional and will find a following among our customers. To earn a spot on our shelves, each product is submitted to a rigorous tasting panel process, in which every aspect of quality is investigated in context of the price we can offer. If a product is assessed as an outstanding value, it becomes an essential part of the Trader Joe's shopping adventure.
We know that maintaining our everyday focus on value is vital, which is why we don’t have sales, we don’t offer coupons, and there are no loyalty programs or membership cards to swipe at our stores. Trader Joe’s believes every customer should have access to the best prices on the best products every day.
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