How Much is Really in it? 22.11.2024 - The Federal Office of Metrology and Surveying - BEV carries out the surveillance of prepackages to ensure that consumers get what is promised on the packaging. A current report in the ORF magazine “konkret” provides insights.

On the 20th of November, BEV was invited to the ORF magazine “konkret”. The occasion was a letter from a consumer who noticed that a pack of butter was underfilled (229 grams instead of 250 grams). This incident led to a report in which the BEV's specialist coordinator for the surveillance of prepackages provided insights into the topic.

What is Checked and how is it Done?

The surveillance of prepackages by the verification offices is a central component of market surveillance and serves to protect consumers and ensures fair competition. Prepackages are products that are packaged and sealed in the absence of the buyer. Their quantity cannot be adjusted without opening or changing the packaging. Examples include food, cosmetics and cleaning products, but also fuels such as pellets and liquid gas.

Surveillance of prepackages are carried out by means of regular random samples taken from manufacturers and importers as well as from retailers. The actual filling volume is measured, the labeling is checked and compliance with legal requirements is ensured. In order to take a targeted approach, product groups are defined and, in the event of conspicuous complaint rates, more stringent controls are carried out.

Conclusion

The BEV's surveillance of prepackages makes an important contribution to consumer protection and market transparency. The random inspections, which protect both consumers and domestic businesses, show how crucial consistent market surveillance is.

You can find more information on this topic on our website and in the aforementioned ORF report “Mogelpackungen im Lebensmittelhandel”.