Activists File Lawsuits Over Milka Products' Misleading Claims

Lawsuits Filed by Consumer Protection Bodies Against Milka - Pending Decision on Implementation of Novel Regulations by the Commission.

In a recent development, Milka, a popular chocolate brand owned by Mondelez Germany, has reduced the weight of its chocolate bars from 100 grams to 90 grams. This change, according to Mondelez Germany, is due to significant increases in costs for the supply chain and ingredients, particularly cocoa prices which have almost tripled in the last twelve months.

The Consumer Advocacy Center, a consumer protection organisation, has taken notice of this change and filed a lawsuit against Mondelez in the Bremen Regional Court. The centre criticises the lack of clear indication of the reduction in content on the packaging and calls for politics to create rules to prevent such practices in the future.

Armin Valet, a food expert at the Consumer Advocacy Center Hamburg, emphasises the need for binding guidelines from the federal government for shrinking package contents. Valet argues that many consumers are deceived because they assume the filling amount hasn't changed. He further demands that manufacturers display a warning notice for at least six months if they offer less product in the same packaging.

Mondelez Germany, however, states that transparency for consumers is their top priority. They clearly state the new weight of each bar on the product packaging. Customers have been informed about the changes via social media, and an overview of all bars, varieties, and weights is available at any time on the Milka website.

The packaging and design of the new bars are reportedly identical, but the bar itself has become about one millimeter thinner. The small indication of the reduction in content is often covered by sales cartons on supermarket shelves, making it less visible to consumers.

The Consumer Advocacy Center Hamburg also aims to achieve a clear indication on the packaging in court. After Mondelez Germany responds, the chamber will decide how to proceed, and an oral hearing in court is also possible.

The lawsuit alleges unfair competition against Milka, claiming their new 90-gram chocolate bars are "shortpacks". Some varieties of Milka chocolate now contain 90 grams at the same or even higher price. The Consumer Protection Center Hamburg demands that the federal government introduce binding regulations that set clear reduction targets for food packaging sizes and promote reusable and environmentally friendly packaging alternatives.

The difference between the new and old chocolate bars is only noticeable in a direct comparison. As the legal battle unfolds, consumers and manufacturers alike await a decision that could set a precedent for transparency in packaging practices.