Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge will join Fair Trading inspectors today for an Easter egg weigh-in to ensure that consumers are getting their weight in chocolate.

Over the next two weeks, Fair Trading officers will visit more than 100 stores across the state and check more than 1000 products to make sure chocolate lovers don’t miss out this Easter.

“If you’re going to buy a 500 gram chocolate Easter egg then that’s what you’re entitled to – not a gram more or a gram less,” Ms Judge said.

“Fair Trading inspectors will be weighing and measuring Easter eggs to ensure they are the correct weight and match the description on the label.

“As a consumer, you need to be confident you are getting exactly what you’re paying for.”

Traders caught selling underweight eggs can face penalties of up to $550 or prosecution with penalties of up to $100,000.

“The Australian chocolate and confectionary industry is big business – in fact, it exports nearly $318 million worth of chocolate and sweets every year,” Ms Judge said.

“That’s why it’s important Fair Trading conducts random checks to ensure traders are complying with the law.

“Generally, underweight chocolate eggs are a case of poor supervision during the packing process or inaccurate weighing equipment.

“However, at the end of the day, retailers and suppliers are responsible for the accuracy of the goods they sell.”

Ms Judge said accurate packaging descriptions were also important for consumers.

“Easter confectionary can contain novelties inside the eggs that are dangerous for small children so there needs to be clear warnings on the packaging,” she said.

“The list of chocolate ingredients must also be accurate in case a consumer is allergic to a certain product such as nuts or eggs.”

Note: Media event at 10.30am at Haigs Chocolates, 1 Strand Place, Sydney.

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