Bird’s Eye ad banned for exaggerating size of portions
The ASA received a complaint that a TV ad for Bird’s Eye “Stir your senses” ready-made meals showed bulked-up portions and was therefore misleading. Daisy Jones reports.
All Articles in Consumer protection
France launches new “do not call” list
The BLOCTEL list has been launched in France. Users can register their landline or mobile numbers to not receive marketing calls. How does this differ from the Pacitel list introduced in 2011? Vincent le Bars of Osborne Clarke Paris reports.
New proposals to boost EU e-commerce
To help unlock pan EU e-commerce, the European Commission has launched a package of proposals. Included are geo-blocking, parcel delivery pricing and greater powers for national authorities to enforce consumer rights. Stefania Grosso reports.
Ofcom launches new mobile nuisance call opt-out
The UK’s “do not call” list enabling users to opt out of nuisance calls is available for mobile as well as landline numbers. Now Ofcom has acted to raise awareness of this and increase mobile registrations. Chloe Dumoulin-Richet reports.
Direct marketing opt-in threat in Digital Economy Bill
The recent Queen’s Speech was criticised as lightweight. But lurking within was a harbinger of potential doom for the UK’s marketers in the form of a threat of an opt-in regime for cold calls. Georgina Graham reports.
Ultra Finishing Ltd fined £786,688 for resale price maintenance
Following an investigation, the Competition and Markets Authority has slapped a substantial fine on a bathroom supplies specialist for imposing illegal RPM on online retailers. Barney Sich reports.
European Commission publishes updated Guidance on Unfair Commercial Practices Directive
Not before time, the EC has released revised guidance on compliance with the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC. Daisy Jones reports on the sections of this wide-ranging guide which might be of most concern to marketers.
Broadband price claims regime to change
From October 2016, the Advertising Standards Authority has decreed that the regulatory regime for price claims in broadband ads will be much stricter. Jamie Heatly reports.
ASA probes Australian “UGG Boots” website claims
A UK consumer complained that a “15 day money back guarantee” on www.abugg.com.au was not honoured. A “made in Australia” claim was also challenged. Chloe Dumoulin-Richet reports and looks at the jurisdictional and enforcement aspects.
Grocers asked to engage with Trading Standards on “Was/now” offers
The Competition and Markets Authority has published a follow-up report on a super-complaint by Which? concerning allegedly misleading grocery promotions. As a result, a number of supermarkets are being asked to “engage with” Trading Standards. Jamie Heatly reports.
Compulsory number display for DM calls
The latest version of the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations is now in force and with it a requirement that all live direct marketing callers display the number they are calling from. Mike Ahyow reports.
Australia defines “free range egg”
Following an A$300,000 penalty on Derodi Pty and Holland Farms Pty and an order to publish corrective advertising, there is a new Australian national standard definition of “free range egg.” Can a UK court order corrective advertising in similar cases? Chloe Deng reports.
