France's 'Wall of Packaging Scams' exposes misleading food labels in 2024

Your festive treats might not be what they seem. From fake French duck liver to hidden palm oil, these products are tricking shoppers—and regulators aren't stopping them.

, and Administrator

2026 March 28 . 10:02 PM

1 min read

The image shows a poster advertising a chocolate shop in Paris, France. It features a woman and a... — The image shows a poster advertising a chocolate shop in Paris, France. It features a woman and a child sitting at a table with a cat, a cup, saucer, spoon, and other objects. The poster also has text written on it, likely advertising the shop's offerings of chocolates.

France's 'Wall of Packaging Scams' exposes misleading food labels in 2024

Foodwatch has released its annual list of misleading food products in France. The consumer group is urging shoppers to report 'abusive marketing practices' through its Mur des Arnaques sur l'étiquette (Wall of Packaging Scams). This year's list highlights eight items, from chocolates to pâté, accused of deceptive labelling or excessive pricing. The NGO's latest report names several festive products as particularly problematic. These include a lollipop containing suspected allergen additives, snails with misleading origin claims, and pâté en croûte made with non-French duck liver. Foie gras with cancer-linked additives, overpriced chocolates, and biscuits containing palm oil also feature on the list.

Foodwatch has long campaigned against practices like shrinkflation and empty packaging. The group argues that current European regulations contain loopholes, allowing brands to mislead consumers. For example, no specific French laws exist to control the use of the French flag on packaging, such as on *Maison Monterrat* products. The NGO is now calling for stricter rules on ingredient origins and clearer labelling. It claims these deceptive tactics erode trust and exploit gaps in consumer protection laws.

The organisation's campaign aims to push for tighter controls on food marketing. Consumers are encouraged to report suspicious products via the Wall of Packaging Scams. Foodwatch insists that without stronger regulations, misleading practices will continue to affect shoppers.