Woolworths Coolalinga faced criticism after leaving mould to grow before being removed

Shoppers at a Top End Woolies have shared gross pictures after mould was left to grow for more than a week before being removed.

Mould was found in the milk fridge and on the roof at Woolworths Coolalinga. Picture: Supplied

Shoppers at Woolworths Coolalinga have shared their frustrations at the multi-billion dollar corporation after mould was left to grow for more than a week before being removed.

In a chain of Facebook posts spanning from January 9 to 15 this year, poster Tania Escobar, a disgruntled shopper at Woolies Coolalinga, shared a number of images showing mould growing inside the milk fridge and on the ceiling, as well as empty shelves covered with meat drippings and dried blood.

In her post, Ms Escobar said she first complained about the smell and mould in the milk fridge to the store manager on December 29, 2024, but found it was still there when she returned on January 8.

Mould was found on the ceiling above the vegetables. Picture: Supplied

Ms Escobar said contacted NT Health, who worked to clean the milk fridge.

But she claims she was palmed off to the department of Environmental Health for the mould on the roof.

Others joined in Ton the discourse of Ms Escobar’s posts – with some complaining about other Top End Woolies shops.

Meat juices and dried blood was found on empty shelves in the meat aisle. Picture: Supplied

“Yuck,” said one.

Other commenters dismissed the critics as “Karen’s” and “whingers” and said they were overreacting.

“Just don’t buy, easy,” a commenter said.

Mould was found in the milk fridge. Picture: Supplied

A Woolworths spokesman said the affected area had been cleaned with “industrial-strength cleaners” and that NT Environmental Health were satisfied with Woolworths’ approach.

“We take food safety very seriously and have strict cleaning and food management standards,” the spokesperson said.

“We are disappointed by these reports and we are investigating them with the store as a matter of priority.

“As Top Enders know, mould can develop quickly during the Wet season, and we need to remain constantly vigilant.”

NT Health have been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Woolworths Coolalinga faced criticism after leaving mould to grow before being removed