Migros and Coop have changed the way they weigh fruit and vegetables

Since January 6, when weighing fruits and vegetables, it is also necessary to specify the choice of packaging. Here’s what’s behind this change.

Supermarket regulars are familiar with the routine for buying fruit and vegetables: select the product, place it on the scale, look for the title on the screen, print the price label, then go to the checkout. From now on, this procedure includes an additional step: from now on, you must specify whether the fruits and vegetables are unpackaged, in a plastic bag, a paper bag or a reusable fabric bag.

This change is explained by a modification of Swiss regulations on weight labeling. As of January 6, Swiss retailers are required to charge only the net weight of fruit and vegetables, not including the packaging. Previously, it was possible to count the weight of the packaging in the net weight if it did not exceed two grams.

Large brands, such as Migros and Coop, have already updated their scales to incorporate this new requirement. An additional question now appears on the screen after each weigh-in. The rule also concerns Aldi and Lidl, where it is the checkout employees who weigh the products.

It remains to be seen whether this measure will really provide more transparency to consumers, as the authorities wish. For many customers, this extra step might seem unnecessary, especially since the impact of packaging choice on price is often minimal. In one test, the difference in weight between a product “without packaging” and a product in a “disposable bag” was only 4 grams. (adapted jah)

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