[Goosegirl]

My niece got three garlic bulbs from a reputable firm so we went out today to plant them. On splitting them up we found that the bases and bottom of the individual cloves in two of the bulbs had white mould on them so we decided not to plant them. Could this have just been a storage problem or could it have possibly been onion white rot? She's going to complain so hopefully she'll get some replacements, but just need your opinions on this problem.

[Auntiemogs]

I had the same issue a couple of years ago Goosie.  Sadly, I only realised that there was an problem when the pants started to rot off and my new raised bed was contaminated. 
I would definitely contact them, as they may be able to warn others of the potential issue.  I just got an aknowledgement that the field had been contaminated and an offer of some money off my next purchase.....