No munching while you shop: Costco, Trader Joe’s pull free samples due to coronavirus

Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and some Costco stores have halted giving out food samples to avoid spreading coronavirus.



Trader Joe’s announced on Wednesday that all stores nationwide were suspending samples.

“As this situation has evolved, we have taken increased precautions related to our food and beverage sampling in stores, including our decision to stop the practice until further notice,” the company said in a news release. “There is nothing more important to us than the health and safety of our customers and Crew Members. We will continue to provide information about what steps we are taking to address this rapidly evolving situation.”

Whole Foods made a similar announcement, saying that it was no longer providing food samples “until further notice.”



Hot bar stations will remain open but “increased sanitation measures” will be taken, according to the company press release.

Costco also pulled samples from its stores in California, Washington and Florida, according to USA Today. It’s unknown if samples are pulled nationwide, the outlet reported.



Costco didn’t respond to USA Today’s requests for comment.

Workers at Costco stores in Portland also said samples were being suspended, according to The Oregonian.

This story was originally published March 13, 2020 at 9:41 PM with the headline "No munching while you shop: Costco, Trader Joe’s pull free samples due to coronavirus."