MFG rejects state labeling for Shrinkflation!

MFG rejects state labeling for Shrinkflation!

Ort, Österreich - On April 24, 2025, the MFG rejected an application for the mandatory labeling of filling changes at the same price. This reports OTS . The MFG is critical of the approach of labeling obligation and emphasizes that consumer protection should not be strengthened by new legal requirements, but by market transparency and political honesty.

The practice of "Shrinkflation" is criticized by the MFG, but the application introduced is understood as a symbolic policy that is going on in the true causes of the problem. SPÖ and Greens demand state coercive measures, which the MFG considers to be harmful. Instead, the MFG relies on personal responsibility and voluntary solutions to address the inflationary tendencies in the economy.

Shrinkflation at a glance

Shrinkflation, a combination of "shrink" (shrinking) and "inflation", describes the practice, the size or amount of a product to reduce during an inflation period while the price remains the same. Consumers often find this development as an advantage because they can acquire products at the same price as in the previous year, while prices for other goods rise. economicsonline introduces new types of shrinkflation are widespread in food and beverage industries and can affect both product quality and the amount.

An example of shrink flation is if a chocolate panel is reduced from 60 grams to 55 grams without the price increasing. This hidden form of inflation is not illegal because the packaging continues to specify the weight or volume. However, critics describe them as unfair and misleading practice that influences the perception of the consumer.

discussion about solutions

The MFG calls for an honest debate about the true price drivers, which it sees in a political misconduct, energy policy and CO₂ taxes. According to MFG, statutory labeling obligations would bring additional requirements for producers, especially for small and medium -sized companies, which could have a negative impact on final prices. Therefore, the MFG proposes alternatives to improve the situation:

• Voluntary self -obligation instead of state forced identification
• Strengthening the competition for fair offers
• Consumer formation through self -initiative
• Political processing of the causes of inflation and loss of trust

In the current debate about Shrinkflation, the quality of modern products is also questioned. startuptalky indicates that consumers often have the feeling that the quality has sunk. This often happens despite technological advances that should normally increase quality. A decline in product quality can also lead to a loss of trust.