The Phoenix man was shocked to recently learn that the expensive cigarettes he bought from his local supermarket were allegedly from a batch that expired four years ago.
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DID you know that a pack of cigarettes has an expiration date? Well, now you do, and so does Ravi Srikishoon.
The 51-year-old Phoenix private car dealer was shocked to recently learn that the expensive cigarettes he bought from his local supermarket were allegedly from a batch that expired four years ago.
The disappointing part, he said, was that the supermarket manager allegedly refused for him to return the packs or give him a refund.
“I bought two packs of cigarettes and they tasted funny. I thought it was my imagination but something seemed off and I did not smoke them. The next day I went shopping at the same supermarket and bought two more packs and they once again tasted stale and cheap. The white part of the cigarette was discoloured.”
According to Srikishoon, the second purchase confirmed his suspicion that something might be wrong with the product. Concerned, Srikishoon contacted the cigarette manufacturer to investigate further.
“They told me to give them the serial number. It so happens all four packs had the same serial number because they came from the same batch that expired in 2022, according to the cigarette company’s records. Unfortunately, the manufacturer said they could not do anything. The supermarket supplier needed to be held responsible,” he said.
He said that when he approached the supermarket manager, the manager allegedly spoke in an "arrogant manner".
"An issue was being raised, and the way I was treated was terrible. I am still shocked that a supermarket could sell cigarettes that were four years old. The tobacco was dark brown. That is very old stock.”
Srikishoon said he believed the matter warranted investigation.
His cautionary tale serves as a reminder of the importance of checking expiration dates on all consumables, including tobacco products.