I would like to tell you a little story that has me very concerned today. Many of you know that the incredible Rhea Katrina will be staying in Morts Tower for a while, and I am thrilled to have her - she is an amazing person and I couldnt be happier to offer her a stepping stone to her dreams. I went shopping with a list of a few items she would like to have around the apartment, and of course, I wanted to make Poison Toffee Apples today, so I made sure to have a list of those ingredients as well. While looking for black gel food coloring at my local Walmart in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, I happened to have a hard time locating the specific product I was looking for. After being led back and forth a few times across the store, I was directed to the celebrations aisle, where I looked at the food coloring and dyes and was very shocked at what I saw on the shelf: among these edible (arguably) ingredients (look up red dye 40): six bottles of Rit Dye. Being of an artistic nature, I am familiar with this product, and while the labeling is quite clear: Does not contain Acute Health Hazard, Chronic Health Hazard or Reactive Hazard materials or chemicals it is also very important to know that that this product IS harmful if swallowed: Do not eat or drink dye as it may cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. I immediately contacted an associate, who (after a few attempts at explanation across a slight language barrier) grasped the gravity of the situation and removed the six bottles (three black, three blue). The matter, as far as I know, has been resolved, but there are lingering doubts I have from my years in retail. I know that it is possible that the overnight shift saw these bottles of dye and just assumed there were food dye - a freak error by one associate on a late shift. But I also know that this item came on a truck, as part of a shipment, and that these products are designated by department according to PLU code, SKU code, and Planogram plotting on the sales floor. With these doubts in mind I tried to contact the general manager, who was not there. I was directed to an assistant manager and was very clear about the situation. He, likewise, immediately grasped the severity of the issue, and made sure to get the pertinent details. I feel confident that at THIS Wal*mart the matter has been resolved for now, but in the back of my mind I can imagine these products being on the wrong shelves at stores all over the country. It is ironic (and yet perfectly Mort-like) that my attempt to make a batch of poison apples actually ended up with me potentially saving some family (or church bake sale, or charity fundraiser, etc) from a horrible situation. It is in moments like this that I feel my faith is justified, and I am thankful to be an occasional blessing to those around me. If only I werent such a monstrous person, eh? RAAAAARRRGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted on: Thu, 16 Oct 2014 01:16:03 +0000