Woolworths explains ‘confusing’ detail on label to ‘baffled’ Aussies

The supermarket giant has shared a message for concerned shoppers after a photo emerged that left thousands “baffled”.

Woolworths has responded after Aussies were left scratching their heads over a “confusing” detail on a grocery staple that retails for $3.30.

Shoppers were left baffled after noticing the price tag on a garlic three-pack stated the product was Australian, while the label attached to the potent plant said it was grown in Mexico.

A photo of the unusual find in one of the supermarket’s 1110 stores, which shows the stark difference between the on-shelf ticket and the product’s label, sparked a huge debate after it was shared on the Meanwhile In Australia Facebook page.

“Australian Garlic from Mexico... how does that work?? Woolies please explain,” the caption read.

While the post attracted thousands of ‘likes’ and ‘comments’, the retail giant has since responded, explaining that while 96 per cent of fresh fruit and vegetables sold at Woolworths are grown in Australia, it sometimes has to use products from overseas during off-seasons.

Woolworths has responded after Aussies were left ‘confused’ by a price-tag on a popular grocery item. Picture: Supplied

“Australian-grown loose garlic is available all year round at Woolworths, however for our three-packs of garlic, we also source some produce from overseas to supplement our locally grown supply,” a spokesperson told news.com.au.

“In this particular store, the ticket which states ‘Garlic Australian 3pk’ was printed and displayed in error.

“We have an Australian First Fresh Sourcing Policy and if we can’t source enough of a particular fruit or vegetable locally, we’ll carefully source from overseas growers that align with our responsible sourcing policy.”

News.com.au also understands that the local address on the tag attached to the garlic belongs to the company that imports the produce to Australia, and is required by labelling regulations.

The ticket calls it ‘Garlic Australian’ while the label reads it is a ‘product of Mexico’. Picture: Facebook/MeanwhileInAustralia

However, it didn’t stop Aussies branding the ticket mistake “confusing”, with some even claiming Woolworths was trying to “trick” shoppers.

“Big supermarkets love to try and trick you into thinking it’s a great Australian product but they want to save money by buying from cheap countries,” one alleged.

“Clever marketing by Woolies make people think it’s grown here when if fact it’s just a type of garlic grown overseas,” another speculated.

Most pointed out it was likely an “honest error”, adding Woolworths would “probably change it” if the mistake was flagged in-store.

‘Make it make sense’. Picture: Facebook/MeanwhileInAustralia

“It’s a ticketing error. The label doesn’t say Australian. It says the address of the importer and says product of Mexico. The ticket needs to be fixed.” one shared.

“‘Australian Garlic’ is a specific species of garlic, but it can be grown anywhere. Just like ‘Idaho Russet potatoes’,” another explained.

One commenter shared a photo of a Coles sign with a similar issue, noting the in-store “Special” ticket for seedless white grapes contained the “Australian Grown” logo but read “product of USA”.

“Saw this in Coles a while back, make it make sense,” the comment read.

“That is honestly baffling,” someone replied.

As another simply stated: “What a joke.”

Originally published as Woolworths explains ‘confusing’ detail on label to ‘baffled’ Aussies