Spice lovers, listen up! Did you know that the size of a spice tin can make a big difference? It may sound surprising, but some well-known spice companies, like McCormick & Co., are currently facing lawsuits over this very issue.
A small company called Watkins Inc. has accused McCormick of reducing the amount of pepper in their tins by 25%, while keeping the tin size the same. So, even though the tins may look identical, you’re actually getting less pepper than you expect.
You might be wondering, why does this matter? Well, it’s all about fairness and honesty. Watkins alleges that McCormick is trying to deceive people by making them think they’re getting more pepper than they actually are. McCormick’s tins are not transparent, so you can’t see how much pepper is inside. On the other hand, Watkins sells smaller tins with the exact same amount of pepper as McCormick’s.
Watkins argues that instead of focusing on improving their product, McCormick is using deceptive packaging tactics. While McCormick’s tins claim to contain 6 ounces of pepper, the small and hard-to-read font makes it difficult for consumers to notice right away.
This deceptive practice, which is known as “slack-filling,” is not only dishonest but also violates consumer protection rules. By not filling their tins to the brim, McCormick is shortchanging customers without their knowledge. This not only affects the value for money but also makes it challenging to accurately compare products.
Therefore, the next time you find yourself shopping for spices, pay close attention to the packaging. Don’t be fooled by the size of the tin—what really matters is what’s inside! Stay informed and make wise choices when it comes to purchasing your favorite spices.
