Foodwatch label fraud with the lust of the land

Foodwatch denounces "label fraud of the food industry"

25/01/2012

The food industry is trying to respond to people's new bio-awareness and is increasingly marketing product lines with different attributes such as „fresh from the country“, „original enjoyment“ or „LandLust“. But often hide behind the marketing slogans only „dull industrial products“, like the non-profit consumer association „Foodwatch e.V..“ criticized. Instead of organic produce, only flavorings are included. In a recent statement, the consumer advocates criticize the manufacturer "teapot". In the fruit tea with the label "Landlust Mirabelle & Pear" are flavorings, barely contained pears and mirabelle.

Alleged landmarks with cheap ingredients and flavors
The majority of consumers are increasingly looking for healthy and natural foods. They no longer want to consume chemically or industrially produced high-tech products, but rather eat regional foods, thereby making their contribution to the preservation of the environment. The consumer advocates of the organization „Food Watch“ has taken a closer look at products advertised in various investigations and has come to the conclusion that many manufacturers have barely changed the ingredients, but their advertising practices have adapted to the consumer's wishes. So be „Industrial products touted as original, natural foods“, criticizes Oliver Huizinga of Foodwatch. Behind the Land-Bockwursts, Landkaffeesorten or Landlust-Teas are many foodstuffs from inexpensive ingredients and flavorings. Nevertheless, sometimes horrendous surcharges are required, although it is not about natural products or even organic goods. Foodwatch speaks in this context of deliberate consumer disappointment.

Landlust-Tea Mirabellen & pear without Mirabellen
As special „brazen case of label fraud“ fell to the testers of the fruit tea from "Landlust Mirabelle & Pear" of the manufacturer „teapot“ on. According to Foodwatch, the main ingredients of the tea are just like comparable products „cheap standard ingredients like apples, hibiscus and rosehip“. Although in the product name „pear“ is stated that in tea only eight percent of the fruit and even rank fourth only in the list of ingredients. Mirabelle plums are not included despite the product slogan. In an advertising slogan, the manufacturer propagates: „Enjoy a little trip into the countryside and discover the original enjoyment of familiar fruits, which can still ripen in peace.“ In fact, the mirabelle plums could „mature in peace“, says the foodwatch expert. Because the fruits „do not get stuck in the tea“. To mimic the taste, be „unspecified natural flavors used“. Looked closely „Landlust Mirabelle & Pear“ on „normal, flavored industrial fruit tea“. Only significantly more expensive, so the scathing criticism of the consumer organization. Teapot requires four euros per 100 grams for the product. That's three times what other no-name fruit tea manufacturers demand. „This is money-making“, says Huizinga.

Manufacturer contradicts the presentation of Foodwatch
The Group „teapot“ On the other hand, he explained that not enough mirabelle plums and dry-type pears could be used in a teabag to give the desired flavor to a tea infusion. Therefore, the company uses natural flavors to create a „full-bodied taste“ to produce. In addition, all ingredients are listed exactly on the packaging, so that the consumer can obtain sufficient information. Therefore, according to teapot no „misnomer“ in front. In September 2010, Teapot had declared that the „full-bodied, natural ingredients“ the Landlust teas „to a very special pleasure experience - as from the rural garden“ are. Therefore, you put on one „original taste of familiar fruits and herbs, which can still ripen and develop their full aroma“.

Images on the label only need to show the flavor
On the tea package large areas with mirabelle and pear are illustrated. „Unfortunately, this is allowed by the authorities“, complains the Foodwatch spokesman. The Food Book Commission of the Federal Food Ministry approve pictures with fruits, although these are hardly or not at all contained in the tea. in the „Guideline for flavored tea-like products "should be the brand name and illustration only the „flavor“ play. This means that only flavorings can be used. This is „state-legitimated consumer delusion“ emphasizes Foodwatch and therefore calls for an immediate change of the guiding principle. This is likely to be difficult as the lobby of the food industry is known to be quite strong and to exert its influence at EU level too.

Foodwatch relies on education and protest mail
For the consumer advocates, the example mentioned is just one of many. Therefore, the campaign became „fobbed“ launched to tackle consumer delusions and advertising lies of food manufacturers. The campaign focuses on educating consumers, who in turn should send complaints to companies. In the case presented, Foodwatch is protesting: Consumers should become active and complain about teapots. „Can a rethinking of the producers be achieved??“ Often, Foodwatch was successful and many manufacturers helped. After all, negative reports are bad for the image and therefore also for the sales figures. (Sb)

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