“Reduce”: parcels get smaller amid higher prices; Learn how to identify violations | Economie

The strategy to circumvent price increases has earned the nickname “discount”. in another meaning, Inflation due to underweight or product shrinkage.

says Adriano Fonseca, an attorney at the Consumers Association Proteste.

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This practice is observed in foods, processors, and cleaning products from many manufacturers.

Among the examples, crackers blasted with oatmeal reduced weight by 20%. Pettiz’s Crispy Peanuts have shrunk from 90g to 70g; The small package of Toddy cookies is down 5%; Omo Economy Soap Pack has decreased from 4kg to 3.8kg; And the Fiat Luxe-branded matchbox now comes with 200 units, 40 fewer toothpicks.

See the examples below, What defines legislation? And What the brands say:

What does the law say and how do you protect yourself

Although this practice is not illegal, changes must meet certain criteria and manufacturers must report the change on the front of the packaging, in letters of the distinctive size and color. in another meaning, Weight loss banners should be made in a way that people can notice.

Decree No. 392 of September 29, 2021 for the year Ministry of JusticeDetermines:

• Report on the poster the amount on the package before and after the change;
• That change needs to be informed easy view sitein large, bold letters and in a contrasting color against the label background;
• Inform the discounted product quantity, In absolute terms and percentage;
• Notify the change On the main part of the posterit is forbidden to be included in hidden and hard-to-see places, such as sealing and twisting areas;
• That information about the change must appear on labels by A period of not less than 6 months.

If the packaging does not provide clear information about the reduction or change, the consumer can report the company to consumer protection agencies, such as Procons, Senacon, Ministry of Justice.

The governor-SP explains that manufacturers who break the rules can be fined. The agency said in a statement that consumers who purchase products in violation of this law are guaranteed the right to exchange them for another product of their free choice or to get a refund of the amount paid in cash.

National Consumer General Secretariat (Senacon), an agency of Ministry of Justiceknowing that it has open procedures at the level of investigation, but without disclosing the names of the companies “under penalty of prior judgment or damage to the company’s image.”

Sinacon added that the current law, which was published last year, has introduced some improvements to ensure consumers are alerted about reductions in product quantities.

“This practice was known as “product makeup”.A consumer who is generally loyal to a particular brand does not see a decrease in the quantity of products and has purchased the product without realizing this decrease.”

Among the strictest rules are Extension of 3 to 6 months from the deadline for mandatory communication Less packaging labels and more details about labeling rules.

It is up to the consumer to report abuse and redouble attention at the time of purchase.

“The ideal is for the consumer to always be aware of the products selected, especially those products that are frequently purchased. If done indiscriminately, without providing appropriate information in a way that the consumer can quickly identify, re-authorization may constitute an abusive practice, as well as a violation of Information rights and good faith principles,” explains Fonseca.

OMO brand owner stated that changes in the way products are presented is not a frequent practice. “Each sector in which the company operates follows its own business strategy, which may include subtle changes to certain products, while following the rules set forth in legislation and market trends,” he said.

The company said that all changes are made in accordance with the legislation and that the new packaging shapes and sizes “are aimed at following market trends, ensuring adaptation to technological innovations or also standardizing the weight of brands’ products, in order to maintain their competitiveness.”

The company reported that it invests in initiatives that are based on “consumer needs”. “On occasion, we change or even increase our portfolio size options, with the aim of adapting them to the characteristics and preferences of our clients, and always act in full compliance with applicable legislation,” he said.

The company stated that it was “a careful measure and the focus remains on unlocking more choices for consumers,” adding that the number of packaging formats for the brand has increased from 300 to 400 this year.

The company has reported that only “Fósforo Fiat Lux – Cozinha Forte” brand packaging has been quantitatively reduced and that this change has been widely advertised in mass communication vehicles. “This reduction occurred for technical reasons for the product, in addition to its suitability with market standards and aimed at sustainable consumption of natural resources,” he said, adding that the relevant price adjustment has been passed on to sellers.