On May 9, 2023, the Municipal Department of Consumer Defense (Procon Fortaleza) discovered spoiled food being sold at the Frangolândia supermarket in the Aldeota neighborhood after receiving complaints from consumers. The inspection revealed various food items including potatoes, chayotes, and peppers displaying visible signs of spoilage such as mold, insect infestations, and decayed conditions, with prices reaching up to R$ 18.90 per kilogram.

Under Article 18 of the Consumer Protection Code, products deemed deteriorated, altered, or unsanitary are considered unfit for consumption. The regulations clearly prohibit the sale and exposure of such items, highlighting the necessity of ensuring public health and safety standards in food markets. The findings from Procon Fortaleza showcase serious lapses in the supermarket's compliance with these regulations, as they allowed visibly spoiled products to be sold alongside fresh items.

Impressions from the inspection were alarming, with images depicting food that posed a clear health risk to consumers. The incident raises crucial questions about food safety regulations in Brazil, the responsibilities of retailers like Frangolândia, and the need for more stringent monitoring by consumer protection agencies. This incident not only endangers public health but also undermines consumer trust in food providers, necessitating ongoing scrutiny of food safety practices in the region.