Shrinkflation in groceries
Dessie Ellis asked how the Government would tackle shrinkflation, with grocery items shrinking while prices rise. The Taoiseach said consumers should raise such issues with the CCPC and that regulatory frameworks already apply; Ellis replied that bread has fewer slices and the Taoiseach agreed.
As the Taoiseach is aware, a family's weekly grocery shopping has substantially increased in cost. Along with this hit to the pockets of hard-pressed families, it has become increasingly clear that many of the products being bought by families have decreased either in volume, weight or size in a trend known as shrinkflation, while prices for these products have risen substantially. What is the Government's plan to tackle this cynical practice, which affects the spending power of families in this cost-of-living crisis?
Comment on this
There are various regulatory frameworks governing food products, both on the price side but also in terms of standards. We have a regulator to protect the consumer. These issues should be raised, first and foremost, with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, CCPC, because there are issues that need to be monitored on a constant basis in terms of shrinking the volume of a particular pack or whatever.
Comment on this
There are fewer slices in a loaf of bread.