Woman Questions 6-Month Expiry Date After Elderly Mum Gets Food Poisoning From Mouldy Cake
Her mum was vomiting and bedridden for days.
By Tamara Jayne — 24 Oct 2024, 10:14 AM
A Malaysian woman recently reached out to SAYS to share her elderly mother's unfortunate experience of getting food poisoning after unknowingly eating mouldy cake
According to the woman, Low Boon How, her mother purchased a cheese pound cake from a local store on Sunday, 13 October, and ate two slices two days later.
Due to her deteriorating eyesight, the elderly woman didn't realise the cake was mouldy.
The cake, which had been left sealed on the family's dining table since purchasing, had a six-month expiration date printed on its packaging
This prompted Low to question how a pound cake could last that long.
"It must have had many preservatives in it. Is that even legal?" she wondered.
She also told SAYS there was no indication on the packaging that the cake needed refrigeration.
After eating the cake, Low's mother felt dizzy, began vomiting, and was bedridden for several days
They then discovered mould on the remaining cake.
Low contacted the bakery's assistant marketing manager to inform them of the incident. She shared that they asked for receipts, which she unfortunately had not kept.
Low's elderly mother was vomiting and bedridden due to the food poisoning.
Image via Low Boon How (Provided to SAYS)More than seeking compensation, Low voiced concern that the cake had developed mould despite being consumed well within its expiration date
"How can a cake last six months? Even if it's kept in the fridge, it should only last a maximum of three months," she questioned, adding that freezing it might be a different matter.
Her worries extended beyond her mother's food poisoning, raising doubts about the preservatives used and whether such practices are even allowed.
In a statement to SAYS, the bakery stated they have chosen to close the case, as Low failed to provide the necessary documentation to substantiate her claim, such as proof of purchase, medical bills, or caregiver expenses
"As a responsible company, we are obligated to follow standard procedures before compensating any claims. It is only fair to require documentation for any request involving reimbursement, particularly when the amount is not less than RM500. We must question the reasonableness of pursuing such compensation without any supporting evidence," the bakery stated.
They also added that they have full confidence in their products and manufacturing process, which strictly adheres to safety and hygiene standards.
