Liquidation Marie is a unique grocery store located in St-Zotique, Que., that sells a variety of items including meats, cheeses, candy, condiments, dog food, and drinks. However, what sets this store apart is that many of the items are either expired or nearing their expiration date. For example, customers can find mustard that expired in September 2024 for $1, meats priced as low as $3, and a box of one-year-old chocolate for just 50 cents.
Marie-Eve Breton, the owner of Liquidation Marie, obtains her food directly from suppliers at a discount, allowing her to offer customers significant savings on their grocery purchases. While some customers may initially be hesitant to try expired products, Breton notes that many are pleasantly surprised by the taste and quality of the items. However, the concept of selling expired or near-expiration products has generated mixed reactions over the years, with some customers even lodging complaints with the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Despite common misconceptions, experts emphasize that it is safe to consume many foods past their expiration dates, as long as there are no visible signs of spoilage. Sylvain Charlebois, the director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University, reassures consumers that products labeled with a “best before” date can still be consumed safely if unopened and if the quality and safety of the product have not been compromised. Therefore, there is no reason for consumers to fear consuming products past their expiration dates, as long as proper food safety measures are observed.
Liquidation Marie’s approach to selling expired and near-expiration products highlights the issue of food waste and the need for consumers to shift their perspective on expiration dates. By offering discounted prices on products that are still safe to consume, the store is helping to reduce food waste while also providing affordable options for customers. This model challenges traditional notions of food safety and expiration dates, encouraging consumers to consider the quality and safety of a product rather than solely relying on the date listed on the packaging.
The feedback and reactions to Liquidation Marie’s concept underscore the varying attitudes towards expiration dates and food waste in society. While some customers may feel uneasy about consuming expired products, others appreciate the opportunity to save money and reduce waste by purchasing items that are still safe for consumption. As awareness grows around the issue of food waste, more consumers may come to embrace the idea of purchasing and consuming products past their expiration dates, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable approach to food shopping.
Overall, Liquidation Marie provides a unique shopping experience for customers looking to save money on groceries while also reducing food waste. By offering a range of expired and near-expiration products at discounted prices, the store challenges conventional views on expiration dates and encourages consumers to be more mindful of food safety and quality. As the conversation around food waste continues to evolve, stores like Liquidation Marie play a role in shifting attitudes and behaviors towards more sustainable and cost-effective grocery shopping practices.
