‘Gross’ op-shop find exposes huge problem for struggling Aussies

A clip showing an “disgusting” find in an Australian charity shop has left many outraged. But there’s more to the story than most expect.

A donated item for sale in a Salvos store has left many Aussies outraged, but not for the reason you might think.

While op shops have been in the headlines for being unaffordable this year, this particular item turned heads due to its potentially unhygienic nature.

Taking to TikTok, a user named Lauren Terese shared that she and a friend were enjoying a “girls’ day out” at a Salvation Army store in Mount Gravatt, Brisbane.

In the video, the women explained that while browsing for second-hand goods, they stumbled across something that was “really pushing the envelope”.

“The most awful thing to see,” Ms Terese commented, picking up an opened single Libra sanitary pad with a $2 price tag.

“They’re actually selling this, that’s just disgusting,” she said, showing that the packet was open at the back.

Ms Terese later mentioned that she was “too stunned” to inform the staff and simply walked out of the store.

The video has since amassed over 240,000 views and more than 800 comments, with many reacting to the “gross find.”

“Whaaaaat, no way,” one commenter remarked.

“Do they not realise that it’s considered contaminated and should have been thrown out?” another user asked. “They should not be selling that.”

Others described the situation as “horrible” and “unsanitary.”

However, there is more to the story than meets the eye.

News.com.au understands that after an investigation by the Salvation Army, it was discovered that the sanitary pad was originally part of a larger 10-pack that was intended for sale at $2 but was left behind after the rest of the pack was stolen.

A 10-pack of Libra pads retails for $5 at Woolworths and Coles.

A price tag on a ‘disgusting’ Salvos item for sale has left many outraged. Picture: TikTok/Lauren Terese

A woman found an opened sanitary pad inside one of the stores. Picture: TikTok/Lauren Terese

In a follow-up clip posted by Ms Terese, a representative from the charity shop explained that, “It is not the intention of the team to insult women, no matter what their financial status is, and they will do their utmost to ensure this sort of thing doesn’t happen again.”

News.com.au also understands that the charity is saddened that someone resorted to stealing an essential item and encourages anyone in need to speak to staff who may be able to assist them.

Ms Terese has also been contacted for further comment.

Commenters said the buy was unsanitary and asked why it was permitted to be sold in the charity shop. Picture: TikTok/Lauren Terese

However, it was later revealed that it was part of a larger 10-pack and was left behind when the other nine pads were stolen. Picture: TikTok/Lauren Terese

With the cost of living tightening its grip on Australians’ wallets, many are continuing to cut down on their expenses, or even turning to theft to get by.

Worryingly, this also means that a significant number of women are going without essential items.

According to a survey on period poverty conducted by the not-for-profit organisation Share the Dignity, which included over 150,000 respondents, three in five people who menstruate have found it difficult to purchase period products due to their cost.

This statistic dramatically increases for certain communities, with 83% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people reporting challenges affording period products.

78% of those with disabilities and 83% of the gender-diverse community face similar issues.

Many Aussies are struggling to afford essential period products. Picture: Dallas Kilponen

People living in rural areas are also struggling, with 73.6% saying they find it difficult to afford period products.

In every state and territory, one in four respondents admitted to wearing a tampon for longer than four hours in the past year for financial reasons.

Medical experts recommend that disposable period products be changed every four to eight hours to avoid infections.

Nearly one in five respondents said they had to improvise at some point in the last year, for example, using toilet paper instead of a pad due to the cost.

Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual products, hygiene facilities, waste management, and menstrual education.