Did you realize that the size of a spice tin may make a huge difference? Some well-known spice firms, such as McCormick & Co., are facing lawsuits due to the size of their ground pepper jars.
Watkins Inc., a small manufacturer, claims that McCormick lowered the amount of pepper in their tins by 25% while maintaining the same size. So, even though the tins look identical, you’re getting less pepper.
But why should this matter? It’s about being fair and honest. According to Watkins, McCormick is deceiving customers by giving them the impression that each tin contains more pepper than it actually does. McCormick’s tins are opaque, making it difficult to determine how much pepper is inside. In contrast, Watkins sells smaller tins containing the same amount of pepper as McCormick’s.
According to Watkins, McCormick is attempting to deceive people into believing that their product is superior to others. They say that McCormick is utilizing deceptive packaging instead of improving their goods. Even though McCormick’s tins state that they contain 6 ounces of pepper, the text is thin and difficult to read immediately away.
This tactic, known as “slack-filling,” is considered dishonest and violates consumer protection laws. McCormick is not offering customers as much pepper as they think because its tins are not completely filled. This not only affects how much value you get for your money, but it also makes it difficult to accurately compare items.
So, when you go to the supermarket to buy spices, pay great attention to the packaging. Don’t be deceived by the size of the tin; what’s inside is what matters!
