One trend is popping up in grocery stores everywhere, and it’s infuriating customers. That trend is “slack fill,” the practice of putting a small amount of product in a large package to make it look like the customer is getting more than they are. One Redditor shared a frustrating example on r/mildlyinfuriating.
What’s happening?
“[Filiera Madeo] tricked me,” the original poster said. “Where are the rest of my sausages?”
Photo Credit: Reddit
Their first photo shows a package of Italian sausages in a plastic tray with a cardboard band wrapped around the middle. Judging by the size of the tray and the visible sausages, there ought to be five or six pieces in the package, but removing the cardboard band reveals a wide, intentional gap in the middle of the tray, leaving the customer with only four.
In the second photo, the original poster makes a thumbs-down gesture, which sums up their reaction to the deceptive packaging.
“Is their plan to make money from as many one-time suckers as they can? I don’t see how that’s sustainable. The moment I get home with a package like this, is the last time I buy the product,” another shared.
It’s frustrating indeed when deceptive marketing practices mislead consumers. The issue of “slack fill” in packaging has become increasingly prevalent, and it’s essential for shoppers to be vigilant. Here are some key takeaways from the situation you described:
Slack Fill:
“Slack fill” refers to the practice of intentionally leaving empty space in product packaging to create the illusion of a larger quantity.
Companies may use oversized containers or trays with gaps to make it appear as though customers are getting more product than they actually are.
The Deceptive Packaging Case:
The customer’s experience with the Italian sausages highlights this issue. The visible sausages in the plastic tray suggested a larger quantity, but the hidden gap inside the packaging left them with fewer sausages than expected.
The frustration expressed by the original poster is relatable—feeling deceived after purchasing a product is disheartening.
Consumer Awareness:
As consumers, we should pay attention to packaging details, read labels, and be cautious.
Check for discrepancies between the visible product and the container’s size. If something seems off, investigate further.
Advocacy and Legal Considerations:
Some consumers believe such practices should be illegal. While there are regulations in place, enforcement can be challenging.
Advocacy groups and consumer protection agencies play a crucial role in raising awareness and pushing for fair packaging practices.
Sustainability and Trust:
Companies that prioritize transparency and customer trust are more likely to build long-term relationships.
Deceptive practices may lead to short-term gains but can harm a brand’s reputation in the long run.
Remember, informed consumers can drive positive change by supporting companies that prioritize honesty and ethical practices.
The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act in the U.S. regulates slack fill—the unnecessary empty space in product packaging. Here are the key points:
Misbranding:
A food or dietary supplement is considered misbranded if its container is made, formed, or filled to be misleading.
Specifically, a container that doesn’t allow consumers to fully view its contents is misleading if it contains nonfunctional slack-fill.
Nonfunctional slack-fill refers to the empty space in a package filled to less than its capacity for reasons other than specific functions (e.g., protection, unavoidable settling, or inherent food-related purposes).
