Liquidation Marie, a grocery store located in St-Zotique, Quebec, offers an intriguing shopping experience by selling products at reduced prices, mainly because they are either expired or nearing expiration dates. Patrons can find items like mustard that expired a few months ago priced at just $1, meat cuts available for as little as $3, and chocolate that is a year old for only 50 cents.
Marie-Eve Breton, the proprietor of Liquidation Marie, sources these items at lower costs directly from suppliers, allowing her to provide significant savings to her customers. The business model, however, has elicited varied reactions over time, with some consumers raising concerns with Quebec’s ministry of agriculture, fisheries, and food.
Despite this, experts like Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University argue that many food items remain safe for consumption past their expiration date, provided they show no signs of spoilage. He emphasizes that “best before” dates do not necessarily indicate food safety issues as long as products are unopened and appear fresh.
This unconventional approach to grocery shopping has intrigued some customers who find the quality acceptable, noting the significant price advantage. As more people discover this unique store, it continues to challenge traditional perceptions of food safety and value.
