Weekly Report, 2025-04-21 to 2025-04-27

Between the dates of 2025-04-21 and 2025-04-27, the Service Juridique engaged in a total of 19 consumer consultations. These consultations were conducted through a variety of communication channels, including e-mail, phone, and video call. Additionally, some interactions took place on messenger apps as well as emerging platforms such as mastodon and reddit.

The predominant topics addressed during this week were food supplements and pricing transparency. In ten cases, consumers raised concerns relating to food supplements, with issues ranging from misleading labeling to undisclosed ingredients. In these instances, consumers were advised on how to verify the legitimacy of dietary claims and were provided with resources to better understand ingredient listings and potential risks associated with certain supplements.

Pricing transparency emerged as a significant concern in thirteen consultations, often in conjunction with questions about hidden fees and unclear pricing structures. Consumers were advised on their rights to clear and transparent pricing and provided with steps to request a detailed breakdown of costs from service providers or retailers.

In six cases, both food supplements and pricing transparency were discussed in tandem, as consumers encountered issues with pricing whilst purchasing dietary products. They were guided on how to pursue corrections in billing errors and how to formally express a grievance should they encounter repeated opaque pricing practices.

During this period, there was one rare instance where the consultation did not proceed, as the issue discussed fell outside the EU jurisdiction due to its occurrence in a non-member country. In this exceptional case, the consumer was informed of the scope of the Service Juridique’s mandate and the limitations therein.

The Service Juridique continues to offer clear guidance and support, assisting consumers in navigating complex issues with legal insight and practical advice. Our efforts remain focused on reinforcing consumer rights and ensuring fair practices within the consumer market. Each interaction aims to empower consumers with knowledge and resources to advocate for their well-being effectively.

This week counseling was provided by WhizzBang Viadrina.

About WhizzBang: WhizzBang is a European network focused on consumer and data protection, uniquely dedicated to representing the interests of expatriates—individuals living in an EU country different from where they were socialized. With offices in Frankfurt/Oder (WhizzBang Viadrina), Aachen (WhizzBang Meuse-Rhine), and Brussels, WhizzBang actively supports the EU single market and opposes national barriers, striving to ensure that consumers exercising their fundamental freedoms receive the protection and support they need.

Lizence CC:BY-NC-ND