Sarai Hannah Ajai's Incident Report Suspected Unauthorized Product Substitution Without Notice and Evidence of Package Tampering (Food Safety Concern)

INCIDENT REPORT

Suspected Unauthorized Product Substitution Without Notice and Evidence of Package Tampering (Food Safety Concern)

Reporting Party: Sarai Hannah Ajai

Documented Identity: Adult female (self-reported)

Entity Referenced by Allegation: Walmart (online grocery / delivery fulfillment and substitution process)

Incident Type: Consumer Transaction Irregularity / Lack of Substitution Notice / Suspected Product Tampering / Food Safety Concern

 1. Date and Time of Incident

• Initial order receipt: December 21, 2025, between approximately 2:35 PM (local time)

• Discovery of suspected tampering: December 26, 2025, at approximately 10:35 PM (local time)

 2. Location

• Reporting Party’s residence (kitchen area), Fargo, North Dakota (exact address on file with Reporting Party).

 

3. Description of Incident

On December 21, 2025, at approximately 2:35 PM, I received an online grocery order from Walmart. One item ordered—“Great Value Boneless Cooked Smoked Ham Steaks, 2 Pack, 14oz Sealed Plastic Package”—was replaced with “Farmland Diced Ham Water Added.” I did not receive any email, app, or other notification advising that the original item had been substituted. Based on my prior experience, substitutions are typically disclosed to the customer and/or require an approved notification process, and refunds are generally issued when a substitution is not accepted or properly authorized.

Although I noted the unannounced substitution, I did not immediately dispute the change at the time of delivery.

On December 26, 2025, at approximately 10:35 PM, I prepared a late meal and attempted to use the substituted product (Farmland Diced Ham Water Added). At that time, I observed that the package’s protective seal appeared to have been torn off. Due to the condition of the seal and the associated food safety risk, I did not consume the product. I discarded the item into my kitchen trash can to avoid potential contamination or illness.

4. Key Facts Asserted by the Reporting Party

To the best of my knowledge and recollection:

• I ordered Great Value Boneless Cooked Smoked Ham Steaks, 2 Pack, 14oz through Walmart’s online ordering platform.

• The item delivered/received was Farmland Diced Ham Water Added as a replacement/substitution.

• I received no substitution notice (email/app/receipt notification) at or before the time of delivery.

• On December 26, 2025, I observed the protective seal was torn off prior to use.

• I discarded the product due to food safety concerns and did not consume it.

5. Basis for Concern

My concern arises from:

• The substitution of a food item without notification or documented approval (as I understand Walmart’s normal substitution/refund process).

• The presence of an apparent seal integrity breach, which can indicate mishandling, improper storage, or potential tampering.

• The potential health and safety risk associated with consuming a refrigerated meat product with compromised packaging.

Important note: I am documenting observable facts and preserving a consumer-safety record. I am not asserting the identity of any specific individual as responsible for the seal breach. This report is intended to preserve details and support a request for review.

 6. Prior Related Incidents (Reporting Party Statement)

• None stated in connection with this specific Walmart order incident.

7. Questions for Walmart / Verification Inquiry

I am requesting clarification and written confirmation regarding the following:

1. Whether Walmart’s records reflect the substitution from the ordered item to the delivered item, including timestamp and reason for substitution.

2. Whether substitution notifications were generated (email/app/SMS), and if so, the method and time sent.

3. The identity of the fulfillment location (store/warehouse) and the chain of custody (picker/packer/driver, if applicable) tied to that substituted item.

4. Walmart’s applicable policy for customer notification and approval of substitutions for grocery items.

5. Whether a refund or credit is available where a substituted refrigerated meat item is received with compromised packaging.

 8. Absence of Authorization or Informed Consent

• I did not knowingly approve a substitution notice for the ham product prior to delivery.

• I did not receive a notification that would allow me to accept or reject the substitution at the time it occurred (to the best of my recollection).

 

9. Evidence and Documentation Notes (To Be Completed by Reporting Party)

• Order confirmation / receipt showing the original item ordered

• Delivery receipt / substitution record (if reflected in Walmart account history)

• Screenshots of Walmart order details (items ordered vs. items delivered)

• Photographs (if available) of packaging condition as discovered on December 26, 2025

• Notes of disposal (date/time; trash disposal method)

• Any customer service chat logs or email communications with Walmart (if initiated)

 10. Actions Taken

• Documented the dates, times, and circumstances of the substitution and the seal-integrity issue.

• Did not consume the product due to safety concerns.

• Discarded the product to avoid contamination risk.

• Prepared this incident report for potential submission to:

o Walmart customer support (refund/credit request; fulfillment investigation)

o Consumer protection channels (if needed)

o Medical provider (only if symptoms occur; not currently reported)

 11. Statement of Accuracy

I affirm that the information contained in this report is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and recollection. This report documents observable facts, the absence of informed substitution notice, and a food-safety concern based on packaging condition. It is not intended to assert legal conclusions without proper investigation.

Report Prepared On: December 29, 2025

Printed Name: Sarai Hannah Ajai