Home News Misleading labeling, a problem with a solution?

Misleading labeling, a problem with a solution?

In recent times, and especially with the arrival of the well-known Operation Bikini, many consumers are choosing to purchase healthier products. But the problem comes when it is not known to identify which food is better. And it is that, the subject of misleading labeling has been around for quite some time. In fact, it is the brands themselves that confuse their own customers. Giving them a wrong or exaggerated information of their own products. But do you know what the solution to this aspect? Many experts are working so that both companies and consumers know how to read all the labels.

Doubts among the population due to misleading labels

The latest Eurobarometer has confirmed that more than half of the Spanish population believes that the food they eat daily contain harmful substances. This statement has several explanations. Some of these factors may be the reception of conflicting information or the "Chemophobia". Although, it can also be because of the fear of alerts that have weighed down the credibility of the sector and the bad practices of the manufacturers themselves.

labeled honey
Label of a jar of honey origin Spain / Photo: Iván Sevilla

And it is that, the inclusion of misleading logos or mentions packaging is the order of the day. Therefore, in the face of this panorama of distrust on the part of consumers, all those responsible for food safety at the European level are betting on the self-criticism. A reflection of doors inward to fit the new informational scenario. Where the concepts of credibility, honesty y coherence they are paramount. Above all, in the labeling of products and their advertising.

All this does not mean that, at times, social alarm is unjustified. Contrary to what you may think, the European Union has many security mechanisms food. It even has a multitude of controls to prevent any type of fraud. Furthermore, senior European officials indicate that the vast majority of manufacturers comply with the law.

Misleading labeling
Shopping cart. Source: sp.depositphotos.com

Misleading labeling

Although part of the distrust is created by ourselves, there are foods with misleading advertising or labeling. And, above all, in certain sectors such as eggs or milk, logos, stamps or mentions appear that confuse the buyer.

In fact, the head of Food Safety of aecoc has confirmed to the ABC newspaper that they are sometimes used false mentions. Always with the aim of achieving a clear differentiation from competitors. In addition, many of these products move in a gray terrain at regulatory level. A clear example is the lack of honesty by certain companies by incorporating the "gluten-free" label when no product in that category has it.

Misleading labeling
Supermarket shelf. Source: ruffino.com.ar (pinterest.com)

Trap labels

Other misleading labeling are those that show a denomination or photo of the product to be does not correspond to reality. This aspect is very common in some categories of products such as juices without fruit and slices of cheese without milk fat. Or even the york that is not ham or vegetable drinks that cannot be called milk, or minced meat with thickeners.

Although you may think that it is in the labeling where more deceptions appear, it is not entirely true. And it is that, it is the advertising the one that is full of exaggerations, false claims and attributions of properties that are not really correct. There are even abuses on nutritional claims and attribution of health benefits. All this confirmed and corroborated by the spokesperson of the OCU.

 

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It's not always the fault of the companies

The Head of Quality at Lácteas del Jarama, Marisa Zabaleta affirms that, apart from the problem of the misleading labeling, we must highlight the disinformation with which most consumers make their purchase. And it is that, many of them do not know how read the label correctly of some product. Or they do not know how to recognize good information related to nutrition. It even highlights the total ignorance about the real meaning of the Expiry date and preferential consumption.

As you have seen, it is clear that there is a problem as far as labeling is concerned. But, it is also our task as consumers to inform us and want to know the meaning of all the aspects that manufacturers make available to us. Only with a joint work of both parties will it be possible to provide an effective solution to the serious problem that misleading labeling. It's everyone's job!

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