Shrinkflation: Supermarkets could be forced to tell customers if they are paying more for less
Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent
Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.
Calls to tell shoppers if they are buying food items hit by shrinkflation
- Liberal Democrats are pushing for a legal requirement that supermarkets notify shoppers when the quantity of a pre-packaged product has been reduced, leading to a higher unit price, a practice known as "shrinkflation."
- The proposed amendment to the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill would require large supermarkets to display details of these changes on or next to the product for 60 days.
- A 2024 study showed that items like digestive biscuits, butter, crisps, and chocolate bars have decreased in size while their unit cost has increased.
- Lib Dem trade spokesman Clive Jones stated that shoppers are being forced to "pay more for less" by large companies and supermarket chains to protect their profits and need to be informed when they are at risk of being ripped off.
- A Department for Business and Trade spokesman said the government is committed to protecting consumers from unfair practices through clearer labeling for prices on supermarket shelves.