From the mailbag: Big Lots cautions

Got a comment on my Big Lots post. It's a good heads-up and I agree, you really need to check labels:

Big Lots is kinda fun and a good way to kill some time. But, after shopping there for several years all over the country, I've slowly discovered that most of the stuff you see has originally been pulled for some hidden reason. It's rarely overstocks and promos. And, since the economy has been worse, you see the dregs. Stay away from cosmetics, or anything not regulated very well thanks to current FDA. For example Gatorade aspartame is a little dangerous after expiration. I've even tried their electronics, and found huge QA issues. Their international foods is good. However, something as simple as Basmati rice turned out to be a bad batch. Sorry to be the debbiedowner; BL is still fun -- just a little more work/skill is required.