Over-charging shoppers has cost Whole Foods $800,000 in penalties.
The Santa Monica City Attorney's Office ruled this week that the upscale grocery store included hidden fees in prices for merchandise, and has ordered Whole Foods eliminate the additional costs, according to ABC 30. To prevent future overcharging incidents, officials will also perform spontaneous audits at all of the organic retailer's locations to closely monitor finances and ensure no mishaps happen again.
"The problem with this kind of violation is it's a stealth violation and most people have no idea they are being charged," said attorney Adam Radinsky.
Upon initially discovering the pricing violations in 2013, Radinsky noticed the sell-by-piece, rather than pound, scam that Whole Foods stores were running close to his home in Fresno, Calif. Employees also reportedly did not subtract the weight of containers when processing customers through the checkout line - a claim the retailer stated was almost 100 percent accurate.
"Pricing on weighed and measured items was accurate ninety-eight percent of the time. While we realize that human error is always possible, we will continue to refine and implement additional processes to minimize such errors going forward," the grocery retailer said in a statement.
"Some of these deli items and prepared foods have a very high price tag on the per pound basis so if you say there is a once ounce container, I mean that could easily cost you a dollar if you are paying 16 dollars per pound," added Radinsky.
Changing their regular shopping routines wasn't a concern for two Whole Foods customers who spoke with ABC 30.
"It's definitely something to think about, but for the most part Whole Foods is a good store so it's not going to affect my business there," proclaimed Spencer Lee. Another patron was also happy the organic food store chain was abiding by the new rules.
"I'd probably still shop here but I am glad they're going to comply," Linda Taylor.
