Mercadona explains the purpose of the pad on meat trays.

Mercadona has launched a channel to answer consumers' most frequently asked questions. The supermarket chain offers a Customer Service department that answers questions about store hours, job openings, environmental policies, and the products sold online.

This section receives the most questions from the "bosses," as Mercadona refers to its customers, who are interested in such diverse aspects as the origin of certain products like horchata , anchovies , honey , or potatoes ; the expiration dates of salt or wine ; or how to use cockroach traps or whether cockroaches are dangerous for pets.

Many customers of Spain's leading retailer have questioned the purpose of the padding found in the trays of beef or chicken sold by the supermarket chain.

Mercadona clarifies that "the absorbent pads in the meat trays are made of cellulose." The Valencian company indicates that "they absorb the juices released by the meat and reduce the possibility of bacteria growing in the product."

In its response to customers, Mercadona emphasizes that "the pads are suitable for contact with food, but are not edible." Consequently, the Valencian company warns that "if they have been cooked with meat, it is recommended not to consume the product."