During the week from 2024-12-16 to 2024-12-22, the Service Juridique provided consumer consulting through the available communication channels: messanger and e-mail. Throughout this period, we engaged in a total of 18 consultations, addressing various issues arising from consumer interactions.
Several consultations focused on matters concerning GDPR compliance. In five instances, consumers raised concerns about how their personal data was being handled by companies. Our advice generally involved informing them about their rights under the General Data Protection Regulation and guiding them on how to request data access or rectification from the businesses involved.
Another frequent topic was the failure to provide mandatory information, which appeared in seven cases. These involved instances where companies did not provide sufficient product details or terms of service to consumers. We advised these consumers to formally request the necessary information in writing and to consider ceasing transactions until full disclosure was provided.
The third prevalent issue pertained to health claim (in Food), which was discussed in three consultations. Consumers questioned the legitimacy of health claims made by food products. Our counsel included advising them to verify any health claims through the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) database and to be cautious of products that make unfounded health promises.
Unfortunately, there were two instances where the consultation did not produce successful outcomes. These cases involved issues falling outside our jurisdiction as they did not pertain to consumer protection under EU regulations, such as matters involving real estate rent and taxation.
Overall, our team worked diligently to ensure consumers were well-informed about their rights and the appropriate actions they could take in the face of non-compliance or misleading information. The use of both messanger and e-mail enabled us to efficiently communicate with affected parties and provide timely advice.
This week counseling was provided by WhizzBang Maas-Rhein.
