Common counterfeit foods and how to identify them (2014)

Re:Common counterfeit foods and how to identify them (2014) by wirthjason on Saturday June 04, 2022 @10:22PM (#31627329)

I’m not saying it’s outright fraud but companies change things and don’t tell the consumer. Im making up this example but let’s say you buy a coffee blend that’s composed of 60% bean A, which is more expensive, and 40% bean B. Then next week they flip the ratio, 60% B/40% A but still charge the same price. I can’t say it’s outright fraud but it kinda feels deceptive. Of course the company might say “consumers actually prefer the 2nd mix blah blah blah.”

I found a this article pretty good.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-05-12/how-infla...

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Common counterfeit foods and how to identify them (2014) by wolverine876 on Sunday June 05, 2022 @01:47AM (#31628388)

I understand, but I'm saying it's fraud. I think we somehow have lowered our standards for 'business'. If customers prefer the second mix, then there's no reason the vendor can't label it as such and let customers make up their own minds.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Common counterfeit foods and how to identify them (2014) by wirthjason on Sunday June 05, 2022 @02:04AM (#31628443)

I see what you mean. I totally agree. It’s a bit like a bait an switch.

I’m not aware of any consumer protection laws against something like that. The only thing I could think of is either regulated products, like buying 2% milk that isn’t 2%. Or where it’s a obviously counterfeit.

In the former case of regulation Bryers ice cream changed their labeling to remove “ice cream” because it doesn’t meet the USDA definition of ice cream and instead call it “frozen dairy dessert”.

https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/is-your-favorite-ice...

The best people could do is vote with their dollars but it’s not always obvious.

[ Parent | on HN ]