1. When You Are Entitled to a Refund:

You have the right to a refund or replacement if the food is:

Faulty or not as described – If the food is out of date, spoiled, contaminated, or does not match the description on the packaging.

Unsafe to consume – If the food could cause harm (e.g., foreign objects, allergens not declared, or contamination).

Not of satisfactory quality – If the food is stale, rotten, or otherwise not up to expected standards.

2. When You Are Not Entitled to a Refund:

Change of mind – Most retailers do not accept returns on perishable food items if you simply change your mind.

Incorrect storage by the customer – If you did not store the food properly (e.g., not refrigerating it as required), a refund may not be given.

Opened or partially consumed food – Unless the food is faulty, you cannot return opened items.

3. How to Get a Refund:

Return to the store with proof of purchase (receipt or bank statement).

Contact customer service if you ordered online.

If the retailer refuses a refund unfairly, you can report the issue to Trading Standards or escalate it to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services.

4. Online Orders & Delivery Issues:

If food is ordered online, the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 apply, but perishable goods are generally non-refundable unless they are faulty or delivered in poor condition.