Abstract

BAIRATI, Lorenzo  and  GRASSO, Elena. Food label and misleading messages in consumer information. Rev. Bioética y Derecho [online]. 2018, n.42, pp.33-49. ISSN 1886-5887.

Both consumers and institutions consider food label as an essential compass in the purchase of foodstuffs. However, label information, although truthful, does not always allow consumer orientation. Indeed, mandatory information, either per se or in interaction with optional elements, advertising, or with the identity and cognitive baggage in consumers' psyches, may end up providing suggestive, implicit or misleading messages. This paper aims at analyzing the representative and volitional processes underlying purchasing decisions, which - in this specific case - assume particular characteristics depending on the type of good that is the object of the contract and on the special conditions under which it is concluded. The article also seeks to investigate the interference of professionals in the decision-making process. This will be done through the study of several leading cases that highlight the intrinsic limits of the label as an informative tool.

Keywords : food labeling; consumer law; behavioral sciences; voluntary information; unfair commercial practices.

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