Polish Regulator to Investigate Companies for Shrinkflation Practices
The Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) is examining the practice where the quantity or weight of a product is reduced while the price and packaging appearance remain the same. The agency is reviewing the activities of Danone, Mondelēz International, Nestlé, and Unilever in the Polish market.
The regulator is investigating whether these companies provide consumers with clear and accurate information about the reduction in product volume. Special attention is given to cases where the packaging does not visibly change. UOKiK will also assess whether the product information may create the impression that the size remains unchanged.
The investigation concerns three groups of products: food, cleaning agents, and personal hygiene products. The agency has not disclosed specific products or brands where violations have been identified. If evidence of misleading consumers is found, UOKiK may initiate official proceedings.
UOKiK's president, Tomasz Chróstny, stated that reducing the weight while maintaining the price effectively increases the product's cost for consumers. He noted that this practice complicates price comparisons and reduces consumer trust in companies. Chróstny also emphasized that reducing the quantity or volume of products is not a new phenomenon, but companies must clearly communicate any changes in product weight.
UOKiK referred to a decision by the European Court of Justice in case C-301/25, issued in April. According to the Polish agency, compliance with food product regulations does not exclude checks for misleading consumers under unfair commercial practices rules.
The Polish branch of Mondelēz confirmed cooperation with UOKiK and stated that it is providing the necessary explanations to the agency. Poland is conducting this investigation following France's lead, where in 2024, rules were introduced requiring large and medium-sized retail chains to display notifications in stores about the reduction in the physical volume of food and beverages in packaging.
