Most of us have probably felt the pang of disappointment after biting or cutting into fresh produce, only to find it's brown and mushy inside.
Or maybe you've opened a bag of pre-packaged fruit and veg to see a piece that's smelly or discoloured.
Experts say when we're paying so much for fruit and vegetables, it is fair and reasonable to expect them to be good quality.
But what constitutes bad or low-quality produce? And what are our options for returning it?
Does bad quality produce pose a food safety risk?
Bad quality produce can potentially be a safety risk, according to Stephanie Partridge, a public health researcher from the University of Sydney, on Gadigal lands.
The accredited dietician says if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, elderly, or are immunocompromised, you need to be cautious about what you're consuming.
"Visible signs of moulds, that's something to be really conscious of," she says.
Sydney food scientist and independent food safety consultant Gary Kennedy agrees, saying you shouldn't eat anything that's mouldy.
However, he says most of the microorganisms that cause fruit and veg to wilt, go brown or rot "are not food poisoning bugs".
"A lot of the bacteria that you find on fruit and veg that are going to cause it to rot and go bad, actually are not a problem and if you cooked it, it would be fine."
He says the biggest risk when it comes to food poisoning and bacteria is dirt and manure on the produce so washing is important.
If you have a complaint about food quality, safety or contamination, you can contact your local food regulatory agency.
What if you're not happy with the quality?
It's no secret we're paying more for our food than ever before.
Ms Partridge says that's reason enough to be fussy about the quality, including taste and appearance.
"As a consumer, yes, you do have the right to go back to where you bought it from and question the quality."
Mr Kennedy says fruit and veg that appear to be the wrong shape, size, colour, or are slightly damaged are still fine to eat.
"Like an apple with a mark on the skin … I personally eat those things.
"When you're shopping in the major supermarkets, you're getting the perfect [looking] products, and unfortunately that means anything that's slightly outside that is considered inferior."
Co-op fruit and veg supplier Josh Ball agrees.
"Imperfect (like a blemish, size or colour), or a little bit wonky, it doesn't affect the flavour, the nutrition, or anything along those lines," he says.
But he adds, "something at the end of its life is a very different consideration, we're definitely pro taking it back to the shop".
What are your rights with returning produce?
Under Australian Consumer Law, you have the right to a refund or replacement if a product (including fruit and vegetables) has a major fault.
Mr Kennedy says fruit are veg are meant to be of "merchantable quality".
"If you open up the tray of fruit and veg, and there's some good ones on top and underneath, they're all mouldy, or they're all sloshed and broken … you're still within your rights to take it back."
The major supermarkets say if a customer is not satisfied with the quality of their produce, they can return it to a store or chat to an online assistant to receive a refund or replacement.
You can return a damaged item by going to the service desk at the store with the item and your receipt.
Mr Ball says if a customer is not happy with the quality of their produce, they work with them to find a resolution.
"When people come to us with produce that's broken down or gone off, we will offer a refund or some kind of credit," he says.
If you're not satisfied with a company's response to a produce complaint, you can submit a report to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
Buy in-season produce
Mr Ball says one way to ensure your produce is fresh and of good quality is buying things that are in season.
"This is like the secret weapon to fresh produce shopping," he says.
"If you're shopping in season, you're always going to get a better tasting product, and usually the best way to spot it is price."
"Things that are out of season or imported are usually more expensive."
