Latest checkout con leaves shoppers shell-shocked…

Shoppers are being urged to stay alert after reports of a growing supermarket scam involving egg box “switching”, where lower-priced eggs are placed into premium packaging.

The issue gained attention following a viral social media video shared by customer Anita Wong, who said she unknowingly purchased what appeared to be Clarence Court Burford Buff eggs from a Waitrose store, only to discover that the contents didn’t match the box.

The speciality eggs typically retail at £3.35 for a box of six. However, Ms Wong said that once home, she noticed the eggs inside looked more like standard varieties rather than the premium product she believed she had bought.

Her suspicions were raised when she realised the eggs were missing the distinctive Clarence Court crown logo usually stamped on Burford Buff eggs.

In her Instagram video, Ms Wong said: “This is what’s happening in a lot of supermarkets at the moment,” explaining that some shoppers are allegedly “decanting” expensive eggs into cheaper boxes, leaving others to unknowingly pay premium prices for lower-value products.

A Clarence Court spokesperson said: “While we are, in some respects, flattered that some will go to such lengths to get their hands on Clarence Court eggs, we would urge those responsible to be more respectful.”

The incident comes against a backdrop of rising egg prices, which have widened the gap between everyday and speciality ranges and increased pressure on household food budgets.

Beyond the immediate frustration for honest shoppers, the practice raises wider concerns around food integrity, labelling accuracy and consumer trust. For LP professionals, it’s also a reminder of why routine checks, colleague awareness and smart packaging design still matter – even in the most unlikely aisles.