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SYDNEY MINES, N.S. — Sobeys is investigating the circumstances surrounding the sale of Lysol disinfecting products outside of store property by the owners of Sydney Mines Foodland.

The wipes and sprays are in high demand during the COVID-19 outbreak and there’s been a nationwide shortage of them for weeks.

Owners Ashley and Kyle Ryan appear to have obtained a quantity of both and allegedly sold them through Facebook posts that appear to be on Ashley’s personal page.

This happened on two separate days last week.

The Cape Breton Post was sent screengrabs of these alleged posts. The first advertises two packages of Lysol wipes for $7 and puts a limit of two per person. The second advertises the Lysol spray for $6.99 each, with no limit. Both provide what appears to be Ashley’s personal email address for e-transfers and advise the time for pickup at the Ryans’ home.

Cynthia Thompson, spokeswoman for Sobeys, which is the parent company of Foodland, said they are looking into the incidents.

“We’re investigating this issue urgently to understand the details of what has happened. It is clearly inappropriate to purchase much-needed supplies and resell them outside the franchisee’s normal store operations, particularly in these times of crisis,” she said via email. “We are extremely disappointed in the judgment and actions of the franchisee and are considering our next steps with the operators as the investigation continues.”

The alleged posts were making the rounds on Facebook rounds Friday and created much public outrage. Many were calling the act shameful and others commented that the poster, believed to be Ashley, was calling herself the “Lysol Bunny.”

Some people said they believe the couple made a mistake and should be forgiven.

Friday at 9:30 p.m., the Ryans posted an apology on the store's Facebook page.

“At a time when we should have been especially sensitive to the needs of everyone in our community, we took personal orders for disinfectant products that we kept aside for pick up at our home. We were trying to help, but it was a terrible mistake. All Lysol products we had should have been put on shelf at the store and made available to everyone there,” reads the post.

“We have had some time to reflect on our actions and have taken comments here and elsewhere on social media to heart. We are very sorry/ What we will continue to reflect on is how to make this right for our community and you have our commitment to make amends.”

nicole.sullivan@cbpost.com