FOOD NEWS
Why Some Costco Shoppers Actually Have A Huge Problem With Free Samples
By Julia Mullaney
It may be hard to believe Costco's loyal customers have anything to complain about, but one Reddit thread saw shoppers discussing what they dislike about Costco's free samples. As it turns out, it’s not exactly the samples that irritate shoppers; it's the people who don't understand proper Costco free sampling etiquette.
In the thread, shoppers vented their disdain for people who take the sample and enjoy it in front of the stand instead of immediately walking away. As one person elaborated, "The worst is when they stop their cart so they're blocking the aisle and other people from getting samples, and proceed to have a conversation with the sample worker."
Some Redditors even suggested that Costco should create a "showcase aisle" — an entire aisle dedicated to samples — allowing shoppers to sample all in one place without blocking the way for others. That said, whether you know free sample etiquette or not, you might want to reconsider picking up those small bits of free food from grocery store stands.
As Sean Marchese, MS, RN, a registered nurse at The Mesothelioma Center, explains, "Food preparation is one way germs can travel between people, and a free sample station means that many people have been in that area touching food." Back in 2010, an e. Coli outbreak that sickened 25 people was linked to free cheese samples given out at Costco stores.