In Latvia, a consumer rights watchdog reports that low-price food baskets frequently lack several categories of products as mandated by a pricing memorandum.
The Consumer Rights Protection Centre (PTAC) in Latvia has reported that low-price food baskets often do not include a complete range of products specified in a memorandum aimed at ensuring affordability in grocery shopping. As per the memorandum, at least one product from each of ten key food categories should be included in the low-price baskets, covering essentials like bread, dairy, meat, and vegetables. However, PTAC's monitoring found that compliance with this requirement is rarely achieved in practice.
During a 32-week monitoring period, it was established that grocery chains typically cover only seven out of the ten mandated categories in their low-price product offerings. This statistically significant gap indicates a persistent issue in the enforcement of the memorandum, suggesting that consumers in Latvia may not be able to fully access the range of affordable foods intended to be available. PTAC considers the existing compliance rate insufficient given the scope of the memorandum.
The implications of this continuous shortfall raise concerns about food accessibility and economic well-being in Latvia, particularly for lower-income households that rely on these low-price options for essential nourishment. The findings highlight the need for more stringent oversight and potential reform to ensure that food prices remain fair and that sufficient choices are available to meet basic dietary needs across all demographics.
