Ministry of Economic Affairs Wants to Take Action Against Shrinkflation

A draft for a law against shrinkflation is to be created this year, as the ministry announced on Wednesday. Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (ÖVP) also initiated an intensive inspection campaign in the food retail sector.

Ministry of Economic Affairs announces inspections in the food retail sector

In all federal states, increased inspections of discounts and price labeling in the food retail sector are to take place. Among other things, it will be checked that the discounts refer to the lowest price of the last 30 days. The Ministry of Social Affairs recently suspected that this obligation is not being met and filed lawsuits against Billa, Spar, Hofer, and Lidl through the Association for Consumer Information (VKI).

Based on the "sharp action," the basic price labeling is to be renewed to make prices more comparable. Also planned are uniform standards for price indications, more clarity for digital price tags, and indications in larger font sizes. A draft for a related regulation is being prepared in the ministry.

Law against shrinkflation to bring more clarity

The law against shrinkflation is intended to ensure that hidden price increases through smaller package sizes are marked on the shelf in the future. This should provide more clarity and transparency. "People have a right to fair and honest prices. Misleading discounts, hidden price increases, and shrinkflation undermine the trust of consumers," said Hattmannsdorfer according to the press release.

(APA/Red)

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