Porkies

Imagine picking up a jacket labelled "A product of Yorkshire," only to spot a smaller label to the right saying, "Made in Rwanda." I did last week in a charity shop.

Confused? You’re not alone. This kind of labelling mix-up isn’t just baffling for shoppers; it’s likely skating on thin ice legally.

 

Under UK law, anything slapped on a label needs to be honest and clear. "A product of Yorkshire" suggests the jacket was made, processed, or somehow closely tied to Yorkshire. If it was actually made in Rwanda, that’s a problem. Misleading consumers is a no-go and could land the company in hot water under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations. It’s not just about misleading claims, either. A product’s country of origin isn’t a trivial detail. When one part of the label says "Yorkshire" and another says "Rwanda," it creates a contradiction that undermines trust.

Of course, there are exceptions. Maybe the design is Yorkshire-born and bred, while the production happens in Rwanda. That might make sense, but only if the labels explain it properly. Something like "Designed in Yorkshire, made in Rwanda" would be a lot clearer. Without that kind of clarification, it’s all too easy for shoppers to feel duped. It's cheeky, to say the least.

This sort of thing isn’t just a slap on the wrist offence, either. Trading Standards can get involved, products might need to be pulled, and fines could be on the cards. So, whether it’s jam, tea, or biscuits, businesses need to think carefully about what their labels say. Shoppers, meanwhile, should always read the small print and not take big claims at face value. They're out to get you.