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$6 Pre-Peeled Oranges Trigger Twitter Outrage Towards Whole Foods

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A test product by Whole Foods has a lot of people seeing red on social media, again.

If you can recall, the grocery chain found itself amid controversy about 7 months ago for selling asparagus water for $5.99.

This time around they're facing scrutiny for their pre-peeled oranges sold in plastic containers with a price tag of $5.99.

While many complained Whole Foods was wasting plastic, it was one tweeter whose tweet seem to get the ball of comments rolling.

https://twitter.com/awlilnatty/status/705375555030556672

Nathalie Gordon posted on twitter a picture of the contained oranges saying, "If only nature would find a way to cover these oranges so we didn't need to waste so much plastic on them."

According to CBS News, hours later, Whole Foods replied to Gordon's viral tweet, apologizing for what it called a "mistake."

"These have been pulled. We hear you, and we will leave them in their natural packaging: the peel," the chain tweeted.

The grocery store giant told CBS News they recognize customers love the convenience of their cut produce, but plan to leave Sumos tangerines in their natural packaging -- the peel.

"Orange and tangerine slices have long been a staple favorite in our stores, and we'll continue to offer them along with other sliced produce options for customers who are looking for added convenience," Whole Foods Market Senior Media Relations Specialist Liz Burkhart said.

Burkhart added that Whole Foods was glad customers, like Gordon, pointed out the product.

Surprised by the Twitter firestorm, Gordon said she never expected Whole Foods to respond.

"I shared the picture because I couldn't believe that anyone could use plastic in such a wasteful manner, especially Whole Foods" Gordon told CBS News. "Point is, Whole Foods has an unhealthy relationship with plastic, and I think they need to address that as a wider point."

It looks like from now on the oranges will remain in their "natural" packaging.

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