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MILLIONS OF SHOPPERS HAVE BEEN LEFT OUTRAGED AT GETTING CHARGED THE SAME FOR ITEMS THAT HAVE BEEN SHRUNK BY MANUFACTURERS – AND MPS SAY IT MUST STOP 00:01, 02 Jun 2025 Supermarkets are
facing calls to slap shrinkflation warnings on products that have sneakily been reduced in size. Millions of shoppers have been left outraged at getting charged the same – or even more – for
items that have been shrunk by manufacturers who claim rising supply costs are forcing them to slash their original versions. The Liberal Democrats are leading calls for government
legislation to be introduced that would legally require supermarkets chains to inform consumers when the quantity of goods within a pre-packaged product has decreased. They say details of
any changes should be attached to or placed alongside the shrunk product for two months to stop shops’ “rip-off” culture. The Lib Dems’ trade spokesman Clive Jones hit out: “The scourge of
shrinkflation needs to be exposed. “Shoppers have been hammered during a cost-of-living crisis all while massive companies and big supermarket chains are forcing them to pay more for less to
protect their bottom lines. “They need to be called out on it and for shoppers to know when they are at risk of being ripped off. Article continues below “The government should accept this
Liberal Democrat amendment so that we can help protect shoppers and their already stretched household budgets from another round of shrinkflation.” The shrinkflation warning labels should be
brought in under an amendment to the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, campaigning politicians say. Digestive biscuits, butter, crisps and chocolate bars are among the hordes of items
found to have been quietly decreased in size last year – while their price increased. MPs could be asked to vote on the Lib Dems’ shrinkflation alert proposal as early as Wednesday when the
Product Bill returns to the Commons for a report analysis stage. The bill has been designed to hand powers to ministers to regulate the marketing and use of goods in Britain after Brexit. A
Department for Business and Trade spokesman said: “We’re committed to protecting consumers from unfair commercial practices and making sure they have all the information they need to make
informed decisions on purchases. Article continues below “That’s why we’re bringing in strict new laws next year to make sure businesses use clearer labelling for prices on supermarket
shelves, and retailers show all unit prices in either kilograms or litres to improve clarity for shoppers.”