CHOICE is calling on policy makers not to remove the requirement that product quantity information be on the front of packaging.
CHOICE’s call comes in response to a proposal by the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) to remove the requirement for Australian packaged food products to display quantity information on the front of pack.
“Whether it is getting less joy from our chocolate bars or not so saucy pasta pots, some food companies look to pump profits by reducing portion sizes while maintaining the same price and package size,” said CHOICE spokesperson Tom Godfrey.
“Quantity statements allow consumers to quickly see what they’re paying for, such as 1.25 litres of lemonade or 220 grams of chocolate.”
Last year, Cadbury was caught out promoting 10% more joy when they increased their 200 gram block to 220 grams, even though it was originally 250 grams.
“The industry proposal to hide the quantity information on the back of pack is particularly concerning given consumers’ reliance on the information,” Godfrey said.
A national survey conducted by CHOICE suggests nearly three quarters of Australian consumers want to continue to see how much they’re getting on the front of packages. The survey of over 3000 adults found 74 per cent considered it important that quantity information is shown on the front label.
“It’s simply incorrect for industry groups to claim consumers do not care where the quantity statement is located,” Godfrey said.
Currently Australian weights and measure laws, and an international recommendation that Australia has signed, requires that quantity statements are located on the front label of packages, where it is easy for consumers to notice, read and compare figures.
“It’s important to know what you’re paying for – we’ve seen plenty of examples in the past where companies have quietly shrunk the size of products but not the price.”