Core Points - A consumer reported finding a metal object in a cake purchased from Sam's Club, leading to significant public backlash and scrutiny [1] - The incident marks the second food safety controversy for Sam's Club in October, raising concerns about product quality and safety [4][5] Group 1: Incident Details - On October 14, a video surfaced showing a metal object resembling a tooth found in a "MM Date Walnut Cake" purchased from Sam's Club, which was priced at 27.8 yuan and had a production date of October 10 [1] - The cake is popular among consumers for its large size (520g), rich flavor, and short shelf life of 3 days, making it a frequent purchase [1] - The store's initial response was perceived as lacking sincerity, as they emphasized strict hygiene controls while downplaying the incident [1] Group 2: Consumer Response and Compensation - On October 15, the store claimed to have reached a settlement with the consumer, but the consumer later stated that they rejected a compensation offer of 1,000 yuan due to unreasonable conditions [2] - The consumer had brought the cake and the metal object to the store for negotiation, but ultimately did not accept the proposed compensation [2] Group 3: Broader Implications - This incident follows another report from October 9, where a consumer found spoiled pork ribs in an order from Sam's Club, further damaging the brand's reputation for quality [4] - The recent food safety issues are eroding consumer trust, which is critical for a high-end membership supermarket like Sam's Club, where customers expect premium quality and service [5] - Despite the ongoing controversies, the problematic cake remains available for purchase on Sam's Club's mini-program [5]

Core Viewpoint - A high-end membership supermarket, Sam's Club, is facing public scrutiny due to a consumer report of finding a metal object in a popular cake product, raising concerns about food safety and quality control [2][5]. Group 1: Incident Details - On October 14, a consumer in Shanghai posted a video showing a metal object resembling a tooth with threads found in a "MM Date and Walnut Cake" purchased from Sam's Club [2]. - The cake, priced at 27.8 yuan and produced on October 10, is known for its large size (520g) and short shelf life of 3 days, making it a popular choice among consumers [2]. - The store's initial response was to express surprise and assure customers of strict hygiene controls, but this was criticized by the public as lacking sincerity [2]. Group 2: Consumer Interaction and Compensation - On October 15, the store claimed to have reached a settlement with the consumer, but the consumer later stated that they rejected a 1000 yuan compensation offer due to unreasonable conditions [3]. - The store's customer service was unable to confirm the settlement details when contacted by media, indicating a lack of clear communication [3]. Group 3: Broader Implications and Trust Issues - This incident marks the second food safety controversy for Sam's Club in October, following a report of spoiled pork ribs delivered to another customer [5]. - Consumers perceive the membership fee (260 or 680 yuan annually) as a guarantee of quality, which is now being undermined by these safety issues and previous product selection controversies [5]. - Despite ongoing issues, the problematic cake remains available for sale on the Sam's Club app, and local regulatory authorities have begun an investigation [5].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights significant concerns regarding the quality control of products at Sam's Club, particularly in the context of fresh produce and meat, suggesting a systemic failure in their quality assurance processes [14][32]. Group 1: Quality Control Issues - Customers have reported multiple instances of receiving spoiled or moldy fresh produce, such as carrots and cucumbers, leading to refunds and dissatisfaction with the service [4][6][14]. - A specific case involved a customer receiving pork ribs that were spoiled upon delivery, raising questions about the freshness and safety of meat products sold by Sam's Club [13][14]. - The frequency of complaints about product quality has increased since July, indicating a potential decline in Sam's Club's quality control standards [9][14]. Group 2: Management and Strategic Changes - The change in leadership at Sam's Club, with the appointment of Jane Ewing as the new president, has been linked to a perceived decline in product selection and quality control [14][15]. - Under the new management, there has been a shift towards cost-cutting measures and a focus on efficiency, which may have compromised product quality [15][16]. - The article suggests that the introduction of more mainstream brands into Sam's Club's offerings may be driven by profit margin considerations rather than maintaining high-quality standards [16][22]. Group 3: Market Position and Consumer Perception - Sam's Club has become a significant player in the snack food market, with many food companies seeing entry into Sam's Club as a catalyst for stock price increases [20][21]. - The company has been expanding rapidly, with a notable increase in the number of stores, but this growth may be outpacing its ability to maintain quality control [30][33]. - Membership numbers have surpassed 5 million, generating substantial revenue, but the perceived value of membership is declining due to quality issues, leading to customer dissatisfaction [31][32].