The anti-shrinkflation law in Romania. The foods that “entered the water”, but the price remained unchanged

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Lower weight, at the same high price. On the eve of the election campaign, Prime Minister Ciolacu advertises camouflaged price increases in stores. He demands urgent controls and announces a law against the so-called “shrinkflation” phenomenon. On the French model, retailers could be forced to put up posters on the shelf if certain foods are in smaller quantities.

By Iulia Pop on 09.05.2024, 19:50

Fewer chips, thinner meat in the burger, smaller milk cartons. There are only a few foods that entered the water in supermarkets or restaurants, without the customers’ knowledge. Prices remained unchanged or even increased. Four out of ten Romanians noted that they bought smaller products, the data show. The government wants to force traders to inform their customers about these deceptive practices.

And in Hungary, the Government forces stores to put warnings on products that have shrunk compared to a year ago

“I ask all the control authorities in Romania to intervene urgently! And in parallel, let’s prepare a regulation, on the French model: manufacturers must be obliged to visibly indicate on the packaging that they have reduced the weight, if the price of the product has remained unchanged. And, obviously, harsh sanctions for non-compliance with this obligation,” said Marcel Ciolacu, the Prime Minister of Romania. Practically, if the initiative becomes law, traders will be obliged to notify their customers when the weight of the displayed products has been reduced, without reducing the price.

“This draft normative act would represent an intervention in the market, but, at the same time, it would also be a regulation that would be in the interest of the consumer. These price changes are generated by the way traders were approached. Costs that must be recovered “said Dan Schwartz, economic analyst. In France, a supermarket chain is pasting price warnings on food to make fun of suppliers who practice shrinkflation. From July, all stores in the hexagon will be required to do this.

“We support total, complete compliance with the legislation on the entire value chain. When we are called to the discussions, perhaps we will be able to comment further,” said George Bădescu, supermarket representative. And in Hungary, the Government forces stores to put warnings on products that have shrunk compared to a year ago.