Consumer group Choice is pushing for a review into a move which could see product weights removed from the front of food packaging.
Choice head of media Tom Godfrey said it would be harder for consumers to find and compare value for money on-shelf if quantity statements were removed.
Pointing to existing inconsistent sizing of products from companies like Cadbury’s and Arnotts’, under which products can look the same but their weights fluctuate according to flavour, Godfrey said consumers were already confused.
“Fans of Cadbury’s Marvellous Creations range can end up paying the same for a bar that weighs 18 per cent less simply by picking Spider Choc Raspberry over Jelly Popping Candy Beanies,” he said, citing a 2014 Choice comparison.
“Biscuit lovers might be shocked to learn that if they buy Arnott’s Chewy Caramel Tim Tams instead of the Tim Tams Originals they’ll end up with 25 grams less, or nine biscuits instead of 11.”
“The erratic changes in weight across similar-looking packs can confuse consumers and show why it’s vital the pack weight stays on the front of a product."
The National Measurement Institute (NMI) is currently thinking through proposals from food and cosmetic companies who want to remove the existing requirement that quantity measurements must be on the front of the product.
“Our research shows hiding the quantity information on the back of pack is likely to short change 74 per cent of people who consider it important,” Godfrey said.
He said front of pack quantity statements were vital, because unit pricing laws don’t apply to all shops.
The NMI is consulting on the proposal until the end of June.
