I used to go there regularly, not minding to pay more for what I thought as better quality foods. Until their chocolate mousse gave me food poisoning. Now their officially off the list.
My friend Emily used to go there regularly to pick up lunch as she worked in the area and found a piece of glass once in her sandwich. She went back to complain and didn't get much a response/apology/anything.

Garden of Eden rocks.
I love Whole Foods too, but GOE offers specialty products that even Whole Paycheck doesn't carry.
I don't know who said their qualities gone down, but I havent noticed that at all and Im insanely picky when it comes to food quality and freshness.
If something isn't of the highest standard or quality I will throw it out.
Sadly I spent around 5k at Garden of Eden over the last 5-6 years.

My daughter was excited to find Belgian Chocolate and marzipan in Garden of Eden as a gift for me for Valentine's Day. Problem is the $5.45 overpriced Chocolate expired February 12, 2006 and the marzipan fruit was hard as a rock. I haven't the heart to tell her. Fortunately, I can appreciate the love that was sent along with Grandchildren's cards. Too bad shame casts it shadow on the Garden of Eden again.

I loved the Valentine's Day dinner special they offered last year. The food is made very well. I generally go to the store in Brooklyn and the staff is friendly, the food is good but the prices are crazy.

The new Garden opened today at 107th St and Broadway - welcome to the neighborhood - the store looks great and everyone was working hard to help out the customers.