During the week of 2024-09-30 to 2024-10-06, the Service Juridique dealt with a total of 19 consumer consultations through various communication channels, which included messenger, Telegram, Mastodon, email, video calls, and Reddit. Each consultation focused on addressing consumer concerns regarding various topics, leading to numerous advisory outcomes.

In four instances, consumers sought guidance on issues related to food supplements. These cases typically involved questions about the safety, efficacy, and regulatory status of certain products. Consumers were advised to verify the claims made on product labels with officially recognized sources and to consult professionals if concerns about potential health risks arose.

The topic of health claims in food was addressed in three consultations. Consumers expressed concerns about misleading health benefits promoted by some food products. The advice provided emphasized the importance of relying on factual, well-documented health information and recognizing certified health claims approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Our service also addressed unfair business practices on several occasions. In six cases, such practices were the primary focus of consultation. Two of these involved blacklisted activities, where consumers were advised on their rights under existing consumer protection laws. The other four dealt with unspecified unfair practices, and consumers were counseled to gather documentation on the situations and report incidents directly linked to potential violations of consumer rights.

E-commerce and distance selling remained a significant area of concern, featuring in five consultations. Consumers were primarily curious about their rights regarding returns, refunds, and the obligations of retailers in the digital marketplace. Advice in this area centered on understanding the terms and conditions as stipulated by EU regulations and ensuring that transactions occur through legitimate, secure platforms.

The issue of pseudo medicine and health, unrelated to food, was raised in one consultation. In this instance, consumers inquired about treatments advertised with no scientific backing. They were advised to be skeptical of non-verified claims and consult medical professionals before considering any alternative treatments.

There was only one consultation where our agency could not offer assistance, as it fell outside our scope involving real estate matters, which are not addressed within the purview of our consumer protection focus.

Throughout the week, each consultation aimed to empower consumers with knowledge and tools to effectively address and understand the intricacies of their issues within the scope of EU consumer protection laws and guidelines.

This week counseling was provided by WhizzBang.