Shopping mall food consumption: Is this behavior officially sanctioned?

Warning signs at supermarkets advise against stealing mouthfuls of fruit samples. However, the question remains: what actions are permissible during fruit purchases, and what potential repercussions might arise?

, and Administrator

2025 September 30 . 10:38 AM

2 min read

Is it permitted to consume snacks in supermarkets?

Shopping mall food consumption: Is this behavior officially sanctioned?

In a unique move, a supermarket in Germany has posted a sign at the checkout asking customers to pay for cherries before tasting them. The sign, which has since been shared on Reddit, warns that taking fruit without paying ('Mundraub') is punishable. The post, labelled as a 'German moment' by the author, highlights a common problem faced by supermarkets - cherry pits slipping between other foods, in the cooling, or between the toasts. This issue not only creates a mess but also poses a potential risk to customers who may slip on the pits. The incident is not the first of its kind. According to the Bavarian State Ministry for the Environment and Consumer Protection, strawberries, cherries, or grapes may not be tasted before purchase. Mouth theft (eating food without paying) is considered punishable, although the exact consequences for such an act are not clarified in the text. A woman who claims to work at an Aldi finds it annoying that cherry pits are everywhere. She is not alone in her sentiment, as another user agrees that finding cherry pits everywhere is totally disgusting. While it may seem unusual, it's important to note that in supermarkets, it is not allowed to eat cherries before paying for them. There is a small exception to the rule, where tasting is allowed if there is a tasting stand or the employees agree that the goods can be eaten before payment. The exact location of the supermarket in Germany is not specified, and the supermarket chain is not identified in the available information. However, the ministry does confirm that mouth theft is strictly forbidden and not tolerated. They do not clarify the consequences for mouth theft in the text. This unique approach by the supermarket aims to remind customers of the importance of paying for their purchases, ensuring a cleaner and safer shopping environment for all.