NfCG is taking part in an important Euro-wide survey concerning food products. This is a remarkable co-operative effort involving consumer organisations in fifteen countries in the EU in order to find out the needs of consumers in the field of food information. Only one consumer organisation in each country has been chosen and each has a tough target to aim for - 1000 interviews within a seven day period in at least 35 retailing outlets. Many Groups and Individual Members will have already been contacted to help in this formidable operation which has to be completed by November 6th!
The laudable aim of the survey is to find out to what extent current legislation about food labels and information does, or does not, correspond to the needs of European consumers. Is some of the information superfluous, or is some information missing (i.e. does the food contain genetically modified ingredients) and what would be useful or important to know? It is hoped that a clear indication of consumers’ expectations regarding information about food products will emerge and also consumers’ opinions about labelling and the use of additional means of information such as bar coding and the Internet. The survey also asks questions about how consumers inform themselves. Do shoppers examine labels carefully? Do they read the shelf labels and do they understand what they read?
The information will be collated and scientifically analysed by the Centre de Droit de Ia Consommation at the University of Louvain. Research will be undertaken to examine the possibility of adapted EU legislation to better meet the needs and expectations of consumers. It might lead to full harmonisation.
A new ‘Super Regulator’ is being created to take over the functions of no less than nine existing bodies to supervise Banking, Building Societies, Insurance Companies, Financial Advisers, Stockbrokers, and other companies who sell financial products and services such as life insurance, personal pensions as well as unit and investment trusts.
Inside Consumer News is a question paper, issued by the Consumer Panel of the Personal Investment Authority (PIA), an NfCG Corporate Associate, for you to fill in and return to the PIA. This gives you the opportunity to air your views on this important development.
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