Supermarket Sampling Etiquette

Dear Jonathan Katz,

Last month I was caught nibbling on some small produce items at my local grocery store. A manager scolded me, saying that sampling was stealing. I understood and promised not to do it again. Then, last week I bought some vegetables there that, when I got home I realized had gone bad. By the time I returned to the store and asked for a refund, the manager refused saying it was too late. Now I feel justified returning to my “free sampling” habit, to make sure I don’t buy bad produce again. Do I have the right?

Sampler

Dear Sampler,

Often in life we are tempted to sample things ranging from a cookie to someone else’s wife. What makes us different from other species is our ability to blend in at places that are frequented by people.

I hope this has been helpful,

Jonathan Katz