Poland’s Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) has launched a review into potential “shrinkflation” practices involving Danone, Mondelez International, Nestlé and Unilever.
The regulator is examining whether the companies provide clear and accurate information when the quantity or weight of products is reduced, particularly when packaging remains unchanged.
The review covers food, cleaning and personal care products sold across the Polish market. UOKiK will assess whether product information could mislead consumers into believing that pack sizes have stayed the same.
UOKiK President Tomasz Chróstny said reducing the amount of a product without lowering its price effectively means consumers are paying more. He added that such practices can make price comparisons harder and undermine consumer trust.
The investigation follows an April ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in Case C-301/25. According to UOKiK, the ruling confirmed that even products complying with food-law requirements can still be assessed under consumer protection rules if their presentation could mislead consumers.
If the review uncovers evidence of misleading practices, UOKiK could launch formal proceedings against the companies involved.
Chróstny said downsizing products is not a new practice, but the recent CJEU ruling has clarified that such measures can also be examined from a consumer protection perspective. He stressed that businesses should provide consumers with clear and easy-to-understand information about changes in product weight.
A spokesperson for Mondelez Polska confirmed that the company is cooperating with UOKiK and providing the authority with the requested information.
Poland’s move follows similar action in France, where rules introduced in 2024 require large and medium-sized retailers to display notices when food and drink products are reduced in size.