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Returning food items, especially perishable goods, follows strict guidelines for safety. If food items are returned unopened, Costco tries to repackage and restock them. However, if opened, perishable products like fresh meat or bakery items are disposed of. This policy aims to ensure that all food sold is safe for consumption. Non-perishable food items that go unreturned often get passed to charitable organizations.
If members return food that simply didn't meet their taste or expectation, it's essential for Costco staff to record these reasons for quality control. Transparency in these interactions helps the vendors address reoccurring issues.