After several checks on compliance with the "tare" on packaging in butcher's shops, the ministry has penalised 18 out of 41 butcher's shops for not applying regulations.

As a reminder, when selling fresh food in bulk, retailers have the right to charge the consumer for the packaging of the food. The price of the packaging, however, should not depend on the weight and price of the food being sold, but should be set separately. In other words, the packaging of a rack of beef should not be charged at the price of the meat. Before weighing the food, the trader must adjust his scales by deducting the weight of product so that the weight of the packaging does not affect the price of the food sold.

Awareness around the legislation lacking

Of the 41 checks carried out by the ministry headed by Paulette Lenert (LSAP), 18 establishments did not display the net weight correctly. "It turned out that a significant proportion of these businesses did not seem to be aware of the relevant legislation and the ministry representatives took the opportunity to inform and raise awareness among the professionals concerned of their obligations,” said the ministry in an official statement.

However, after a second inspection, six establishments were still not in compliance. Accordingly, the ministry had to impose sanctions upon these businesses.

In cases where consumers have to weigh food themselves, as is often the case in supermarkets, the scales must have a "tare" button that the customer can access. "It still happens that one or more default tares are automatically programmed according to the weight of the packaging provided by the professional", the ministry of consumer protection noted.

Checks will continue to be carried out.

This story was first published in French on . It has been translated and edited for Delano.