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Whole Foods Under Fire for Selling Oranges in Plastic Containers

Photos circulated on social media this week, with critics slamming the grocer for wasting plastic and money

Whole Foods Market is under fire for selling peeled oranges in plastic containers, essentially replacing the protective rind with plastic.

Photos of the packaged citrus circulated on social media this week, with critics slamming the often environmentally conscious grocer for wasting plastic — and money.

The containers sold for $5.99 per pound, a stark contrast to 2015's average price of $1.23 per pound, according to analysis site Statista.

Whole Foods responded to Twitter criticism Thursday, saying, "Definitely our mistake. These have been pulled. We hear you, and we will leave them in their natural packaging: the peel."

Through its "Green Mission," Whole Foods has touted its efforts to reduce waste and curb energy use.

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