L’ministerial decree which requires supermarkets to inform consumers when a product on the shelf is affected by Shrinkflationwhich means their quantity decreases but not their price, was published this Saturday morning in the official journal. Two weeks ago, Minister for Trade Olivia Grégoire made a promise to this effect. “When products, food or not, (…) see their quantity decrease but not their prices, “there will be a poster on the shelf for two months,” she said.
This practice of “shrinkflation” is denounced for several months by consumer associations, distributors and public authorities, while food prices have already increased by 20% in two years. For example, it is a tube of toothpaste with the same packaging as before, but with a lighter weight, which nevertheless sees its price rise, or even a packet of cereals that is lighter but more expensive.
The measure comes into force on July 1
This obligation to affix a label or a “visible” and “readable” sign near, or even directly on the packaging, of all products affected by “shrinkflation” comes into force from Monday July 1st. It concerns all supermarkets of more than 400 square meters in France.
The decree thus provides that the message intended for consumers appears “directly on the packaging or on a label attached to or placed near this product, in a visible, readable manner”. “For this product, the quantity sold increased from X to Y and its price (…) increased by …% or …€.”, the supermarket must indicate. The message must remain in place for two months from the moment its quantity has decreased without its price falling.
In the event of a breach, the ministerial decree provides “an administrative fine the amount of which may reach 3,000 euros for a natural person and 15,000 euros for a legal entity.
Products not affected by the measure
Foodstuffs and non-food products marketed in a constant quantity (weight, volume) are covered by the order.
THE bulk foodstuffs or pre-packaged products whose quantity may vary during preparation, such as those in the delicatessen section of supermarkets, are however excluded.
The Foodwatch association promises to “ensure that this is really implemented”
“We will be there to ensure that it is really put in place”, Camille Dorioz, campaign director at Foodwatch, warned this Saturday on -. “It’s a victory for transparency, for the consumer.”, rejoiced Camille Dorioz. This “real progress” was obtained “thanks to the mobilization of citizens, with Foodwatch”. “Now we are waiting for the distributors to play the game, we want to see these posters appear”, he added. “The consumer is able to understand that the price of a product can increase if the raw materials have doubled”explained Camille Dorioz, inviting manufacturers and distributors “to trust them”.
