Crossword Genius

Food a large number unfortunately sent back (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

salad

'food' is the definition.
(salad is a kind of food)

'a large number unfortunately sent back' is the wordplay.
'a large number' becomes 'd' ().
'unfortunately' becomes 'alas' ('alas' is used to express regret).
'sent back' says the letters should be written backwards.
'd'+'alas'='dalas'
'dalas' written backwards gives 'SALAD'.

(Other definitions for salad that I've seen before include "Raw vegetable dish" , "Raw, green, veg" , "Lettuce, cucumber etc" , "One may well be green" , "Cold dish of various vegetables," .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.