Core Viewpoint - Online food shopping has become increasingly popular among consumers, but it has also led to a rise in disputes related to product quality, food safety, and false advertising. The article aims to provide practical self-check methods for consumers to avoid pitfalls when purchasing food online [1]. Group 1: Common Traps and Case Warnings - Case 1: A consumer purchased imported steak that was advertised as fresh but received a product that was dark and had an off smell, leading to only a partial refund after multiple communications with customer service [2]. - Case 2: A consumer bought "internet celebrity" cookies that were close to their expiration date, which was not disclosed on the product page, resulting in a refusal for return or exchange by the seller [2]. - Case 3: A consumer bought handmade desserts that lacked production dates and safety information, leading to health issues and difficulties in seeking redress due to the seller's individual status [2]. Group 2: Key Pre-Purchase Checklists - Consumers should verify the seller's qualifications, including checking for business licenses and food operation permits, and confirm if the store is an official brand flagship or authorized store [3][5]. - It is essential to read product details carefully, including checking for exaggerated claims, production dates, shelf life, storage conditions, and ingredient lists [5][16]. - Understanding the return and exchange policies, especially for perishable goods, is crucial, along with saving any commitments made by customer service regarding product quality [5][16]. Group 3: Utilizing Complaint Information for Decision-Making - Consumers can check historical complaint records of sellers through official channels like the National 12315 platform, which tracks formal complaints related to food quality and false advertising [3][14]. - Local market supervision departments may publish information on food safety inspections, which can serve as an important reference for evaluating sellers [14]. - Third-party complaint platforms, such as Black Cat Complaints, aggregate consumer complaints and can be used to assess seller reliability, especially if there are multiple complaints or negative responses [14]. Group 4: Foods Requiring Extra Caution When Purchased Online - Homemade foods, such as private baking and handmade sauces, often lack standardized production environments and quality control, necessitating verification of the producer's qualifications [6][15]. - Imported cold chain foods require confirmation of entry inspection and quarantine certificates, as safety concerns have heightened during the pandemic [10][15]. - Health products and functional foods should be scrutinized for exaggerated claims, and consumers should verify if they have received the necessary approvals [17]. Group 5: Strategies for Handling Purchase Disputes - If a problematic food item is received, consumers should document evidence by taking photos and saving screenshots of product pages and communication records [18][19]. - Initial attempts to resolve issues should be made through direct communication with the seller, followed by seeking platform intervention if necessary [19]. - Complaints can be filed with the 12315 platform for serious issues, particularly those involving food safety and false advertising [19].

Core Viewpoint - Consumer rights protection is not complicated; following a systematic approach can help resolve issues effectively [8] Step-by-Step Summary - **Step 1: Keep Evidence** Essential documents such as order numbers, payment receipts, chat records, and invoice photos are crucial for subsequent complaints [2] - **Step 2: Utilize Internal Platform Channels** E-commerce platforms offer "advance compensation," while food delivery and ride-hailing apps have order dispute entry points. Payment disputes can be directly reported to Alipay, WeChat Pay, or UnionPay [3] - **Step 3: Escalate to Regulatory Authorities** If platform resolution fails, consumers can use institutional channels like the 12315 national consumer rights protection hotline or the Black Cat Complaint platform to escalate issues to local market regulatory departments [4] - **Step 4: Use Social Complaint Platforms** Third-party platforms like Black Cat Complaint allow for quick review and public display of complaints, providing transparency and visibility for consumers [5] - **Step 5: Leverage Public Opinion Channels** The People's Daily Online message board can be used to escalate issues to local governments or relevant departments, drawing public attention to unresolved problems [6] - **Step 6: Legal Protection as a Last Resort** If merchants refuse to take responsibility, small claims court can be considered, which has simplified processes and lower costs, suitable for minor amounts with poor merchant attitudes [7]