Often missing indications of origin in fruits and vegetables

Frequently missing indication of source of fruit and vegetables: Consumer Center criticizes missing origin labeling

31.01.2011

If you, as a customer, would like to find out more about the origin of the articles when buying fruits and vegetables, you often face considerable hurdles. Because often the products are without indication of origin in the trade.

The consumer center NRW has found in a sample survey that many fruit and vegetable traders in North Rhine-Westphalia conceal the countries of origin of their goods. In its investigation, eight out of ten traders failed to comply with the mandatory labeling of the country of origin. If you prefer to avoid products from certain countries due to possible pollution or unsatisfactory working conditions on site, you often have no opportunity to obtain reliable information.

Identification of fruit and vegetables often inadequate
According to the Consumer Center, in the sample, eight out of ten traders violated the origin labeling requirements. The consumer advocates had examined more closely 88 fruit and vegetable stands at weekly markets, supermarkets, discounters, retailers and health food stores as part of their sample survey. The experts found in 284 fruit and vegetable offers that neither on the price tag nor on the goods directly the origin labeling was available. In addition, in 62 cases contradictory information was found on the sign and on the goods. In 26 cases even several export countries were indicated on the labels, so the announcement of the consumer center North Rhine-Westphalia on Monday in Duesseldorf. In addition, the country designations featured 15 foreign-language products and four articles with unknown abbreviations. On average, five deficiencies were found per dealer, said the consumer advocates.

Consumers have a right to information
„Consumers have a right to an exact indication of origin“, because „Only then can they make the right purchase decision for them?“, emphasized the head of the consumer center NRW, Klaus Müller. In addition, except for a few exceptions „for fruit and vegetables (...) the indication of origin (...) prescribed“ explained Müller in the light of the available results of the sample examination. The expert urged retailers to better train their staff and ensure proper labeling of the range. „Consumers are not allowed to guess the cheery origin and labeling Allerlei (...) during their shopping“, stressed Müller. However, those who do not become smart from the indications of origin at the vegetable and fruit stalls, can also switch to the regional offer. In addition to purchasing from producers directly on site, more and more cities now have the option of being supplied weekly with fruit and vegetables from producers in the region via the so-called "vegetable box". However, only the season and the cultivation possibilities corresponding products are offered here. Bananas, oranges, lemons, kiwis or similar tropical fruits can not be bought here. (Fp)

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Image: Ibefisch