Fair Trading makes sure Xmas food is worth its weight
Posted by editor (editor) on Dec 18 2009
2009 >>

Fair Trading has done its annual check to make sure shoppers are getting their money's worth when stocking up on goodies for the Christmas table.

Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor said 976 pre-packaged products including hams, turkeys, hampers, and fresh and frozen seafood were checked and weighed to ensure Queenslanders were getting what they pay for.

"The Office of Fair Trading is pleased to report that our recent testing showed most items people buy for their Christmas spread do indeed stack up and match the quantity stated on the packet," Mr Lawlor said

"Our random checks of packaged goods sold across the state included purchases from supermarkets, butchers, seafood shops and wholesalers.

"Of the almost 1,000 products looked at, 67 showed a discrepancy between what was claimed on the packet - and the difference in most of these cases was very minor.

"All-in-all Queensland shoppers can be confident of what they're putting in their trolley over the Christmas and holiday season."

The products with discrepancies included fresh and frozen seafood, hams and smallgoods that were mostly imported.

Mr Lawlor said pre-packaged, frozen seafood was found to have fallen shortest, with up to 15 per cent differences in weight found.

"Enquiries are continuing into the more serious deficiencies, and this may lead to formal action being taken against the packer or importer," he said.

"It is an offence under Section 32 (1) of the Trade Measurement Act 1990 to pack or sell short measure pre-packed items.

"Traders found in breach of the Act face prosecution and fines of up to $20,000 for an individual and $100,000 for a company."

More information on Trade Measurement legislation, including fact sheets, is available from the Office of Fair Trading by calling 13 13 04, or by visiting www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au

Last changed: Jan 07 2010 at 2:08 PM