FPS checks weight of pre-packaged foods: 45% compliant
Did you know that the stated weight of only 45% of pre-packaged food products is actually correct? A poor result, according to the FPS! In 2020, the FPS Economy carried out an inspection campaign to check the accuracy of the quantity indication (the weight) stated on pre-packaged food products. The weight of mainly meat (products), fish, dairy products and prepared food products was examined.
Pascal Brysse
Who weighs what?
The checks (for this campaign) took place in shops that pack their fresh food products themselves in variable quantities on site. In addition, the food companies that supply pre-packaged goods to these shops were also examined. All of this was done through unannounced spot checks. For information: 605 lots were examined at 136 locations.
Let's take a closer look at the term 'variable' quantities: what exactly does this mean? It refers to food products that are pre-packaged 'to a variable weight'. In practice, this mainly concerns meat (products), fish or dairy. Fruit and vegetables, on the other hand, are often pre-packaged in fixed (not variable) quantities. In other words, you will easily find a package labelled '1 kilo of oranges', but finding a pack of minced chicken weighing exactly 1 kilo will be more difficult. Meat almost always has a variable weight: a pack of 1.367 kilograms, for example. Packages with a neatly defined quantity have already been checked frequently by the FPS in recent years.
A poor result
After carrying out the spot checks, the FPS came to a striking discovery: 45% (or 272 checked lots) of the packages contain less food than what is promised on the packaging.
Interestingly, this is how the FPS approaches this kind of test: if just one package within a lot contains a lower net weight than stated, the entire lot is stamped 'non-compliant'. Strict? Certainly, but fair. The customer is king and must therefore be sure they are not buying a pig in a poke.
Mainly smaller shops (with, of course, smaller lots) scored poorly on the test. Food companies, on the other hand, generally performed better. Regionally, the FPS could not really identify any striking discrepancies.
The punishment?
A poor result has consequences. A company that scores poorly initially receives a warning or an official report. Referral to the public prosecutor's office is also a possible course of action. This happened for one case. For the sake of clarity, this fairly drastic 'punishment' only occurs when the company in question refuses to pay the fine imposed by the FPS, or in the case of fraud.
However small the breach of the regulations, a follow-up inspection is standard. If anomalies are still found during a second visit, an official report automatically follows.
Businesses that pre-pack food should therefore take note: weigh accurately. Discrepancies between the stated and actual net weight can have serious consequences. Would you like more information about the FPS's inspection campaigns? View the full report via this link: https://economie.fgov.be/nl/publicaties/rapport-controlecampagne
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