Consumer Protection Research Articles

Perlindungan Konsumen dalam E-Commerce di Indonesia (Hambatan Penerapan Regulasi Antara Penerapan Dan Pengawasan)

This research aims to analyze consumer protection in e-commerce in Indonesia, focusing on the obstacles in implementing consumer protection regulations in e-commerce in Indonesia. It also aims to analyze and evaluate the challenges related to compliance and oversight in the application of consumer protection regulations. In the digital era, e-commerce transactions have rapidly evolved, but this has also led to various consumer protection issues, such as fraud and a lack of transparency. For that reason, appropriate regulations are needed to protect consumers. This research employs a normative-descriptive research method, utilizing both the statute approach and the conceptual approach. The author uses the statute approach to analyze the applicable laws related to e-commerce and consumer protection, while the conceptual approach is used to explore the ideal concept of consumer protection in the context of digital transactions. The research results indicate that although regulations related to e-commerce are in place, the main challenge lies in the less-than-optimal implementation and oversight. Obstacles such as a lack of human resources and monitoring technology, as well as the complexity of cross-border jurisdictions, are factors that complicate effective consumer protection. Therefore, there is a need for efforts to improve legal infrastructure and stricter oversight to ensure that consumer rights are protected within the e-commerce ecosystem in Indonesia.

CONSUMER PROTECTION IN HIRE PURCHASE TRANSACTIONS: A CASE STUDY OF GHANA’S LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Objective: This study critically examines the effectiveness of Ghana's Hire Purchase Act 1974 in safeguarding consumer interests in modern hire purchase agreements. Theoretical Framework: The focus of analysis is the regulatory framework for hire purchase transactions in Ghana in comparison to UK and Australia. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises [concisely describe the study design, including approach, participants, instruments, procedures, etc.]. Data collection was carried out through [explain the specific methods used, such as interviews, questionnaires, observations, among others. Results and Discussion: The Act provides fundamental consumer protections through requirements for written agreements, disclosure of terms, and rights to terminate agreements. However, it faces challenges in addressing contemporary market realities, particularly digital transactions, and in providing accessible dispute resolution mechanisms. The study identifies key areas for improvement, including modernization of the Act, introduction of alternative dispute resolution options, strengthening enforcement capabilities, and enhancing consumer education initiatives. Research Implications: These findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on consumer protection in Ghana and offer valuable insights for policymakers considering reforms to the hire purchase regulatory framework. The research emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that enhances consumer protections while maintaining a vibrant hire purchase market in Ghana. Originality/Value: Overall, the study offers a unique and valuable perspective on the effectiveness of Ghana's Hire Purchase Act and provides actionable recommendations for improvement.

Perlindungan Hukum Pembeli atas Ketidaksesuaian Kualitas Barang dan Jasa Berdasarkan Undang-Undang Perlindungan Konsumen

The development of digital technology has encouraged changes in the way of buying and selling transactions, especially through e-commerce platforms. However, in practice, it is not uncommon for the goods and services purchased to not be in accordance with the quality promised by the seller. This study aims to analyze the implementation of Law No. 8 of 1999 concerning Consumer Protection in protecting buyers from non-conformities in the quality of goods and services. The research method used is a normative juridical approach with secondary data from literature reviews and related laws and regulations. The results of the study show that legal protection for consumers has been regulated, but its implementation still needs to be strengthened, especially in digital transactions. This research is expected to provide recommendations for the government and consumer dispute resolution institutions.

The Effectiveness of 2020 E-Commerce Rules in Protecting Consumer Rights

This paper critically evaluates the effectiveness of India’s Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 in safeguarding consumer rights within the rapidly growing digital marketplace. The 2020 rules, introduced under the Consumer Protection Act of 2019, were designed to address challenges arising from the proliferation of e-commerce platforms, including issues related to transparency, grievance redressal, counterfeit products, and data protection. The paper examines how these rules have enhanced consumer protection by mandating clear product information, establishing robust grievance mechanisms, and promoting accountability among e-commerce platforms. However, the implementation of the rules faces several challenges, such as uneven enforcement across platforms, limited consumer awareness, and difficulties in regulating cross-border transactions. Additionally, the paper explores the gaps in data privacy protections and the ongoing issues of counterfeit goods within online marketplaces. While the rules represent a significant step forward in regulating the e-commerce sector, this analysis highlights the need for continued regulatory oversight, technological innovation, and consumer education to ensure that the rules are effectively implemented and enforced. The paper concludes that although the 2020 E-Commerce Rules have made strides in protecting consumer rights, further reforms are necessary to address emerging challenges and ensure equitable consumer protection in India’s expanding e-commerce ecosystem.

Heterogeneous effects of information and communication technology development on digital financial consumer protection: Evidence from the global sample

ABSTRACT This study primarily examines the influence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on Digital Financial Consumer Protection (DFCP), utilizing a dataset spanning 88 countries globally from 2014 to 2018, within the context of consumer welfare under diverse socioeconomic conditions. The research confirms a positive relationship between information and communication technology (ICT) evolution and digital finance consumer protection (DFCP) in OECD countries with inclusive institutions, competitive markets, and solid educational foundations. Conversely, a negative correlation is observed between ICT growth and DFCP in countries with moderate gender inequality. The study further confirms that ICT development positively influences DFCP due to contextual conditions (i.e. cybersecurity index, political stability, higher educational level, and market quality). Policy implications emphasize the need to address information inequality and protect consumer rights in the digital era. Measures to curb market monopolies of major tech companies and combat unauthorized data usage are recommended. Additionally, enhancing digital literacy is crucial for harnessing the benefits of ICT and promoting financial consumer welfare. Establishing a practical code of conduct aligned with market needs is also essential for ensuring consumer protection.

Synthesis and luminescent properties of multi-mode core-shell-shell LaPO4:RE (RE³⁺ = Er³⁺, Eu³⁺) microspheres for anti-counterfeiting ink applications

To meet the demands for product and consumer protection, we developed biocompatible multi-mode emitting core-shell-shell rare earth phosphates for anti-counterfeiting inks. These core-shell-shell structures feature SiO2 microspheres as the core, with LaPO4 nanocrystals doped with erbium (Er) and europium (Eu) as the interlayer, and an outer SiO2 shell. The SiO2@LaPO4:Er0.1,Eux@SiO2 (x = 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05) microspheres display dual emissions when excited by 254 nm and 365 nm UV light, offering a novel anti-counterfeiting approach. Another core-shell-shell structure was created with LaPO4:Er3+ and LaPO4:Eu3+ separately coated on SiO2 cores, mixed, and then covered with a SiO2 shell. Under 980 nm near-infrared laser excitation, these structures emit bright upconverted green light, while 254/365 nm UV light induces red/yellow down-conversion luminescence. This design minimizes up-conversion luminescence quenching of Er3+ ions from cross-relaxation with Eu3+ ions. The SiO2 core minimizes energy loss, regulates particle size, and enhances luminescence. A certain thickness of the silicon shell layer also protects against luminescence quenching. The inks exhibit high dispersibility, non-reproducibility, and excellent luminescence, making them effective for anti-counterfeiting.

How do licensing boards provide oversight? An Idaho case study

AbstractOccupational licensing laws are designed to improve service quality and protect consumers from harm by establishing entry requirements and oversight of practising professionals. Evidence on the effects of licensing is mixed. The quality of services is difficult to measure objectively, complicating attempts to compare costs and benefits of regulation. A 2017 executive order in the US state of Idaho required licensing boards to report disciplinary actions against professionals. This new source of data provides some insight into the type of enforcement undertaken by licensing boards. We find that disciplinary actions directly related to quality are rare. Between 0.01 and 0.38 per cent of licensees are disciplined for quality‐related issues; 36 to 53 per cent of total disciplinary actions are directly related to quality, with the rest covering technical breaches.

Evaluating the effectiveness of DNA-based methods to detect mislabelling and adulteration of chestnut honey

Honey is a naturally sweet and viscous substance that is consumed worldwide for its specific flavour, taste and biological properties, which in turn depend on the type of plant from which bees collect nectar. The quality of honey and, in particular, the information on the product label determines consumer choice and market price. In this study, the true botanical composition of chestnut monofloral honeys produced in Calabria (South Italy) was determined by DNA barcoding, PCR-RFLP and LAMP approaches, all based on the chloroplast trnL-trnF intergenic spacer region. All three DNA-based techniques were reliable in unambiguously identifying the floral composition of the different honeys tested at species level. However, the LAMP assay has the advantage over DNA barcoding and PCR-RFLP of greatly simplifying and speeding up the identification of Castanea sativa as the dominant plant species of the Calabrian chestnut honeys. This may encourage the adoption of this method by the food industry for the rapid detection of intentionally or accidentally mislabelled ingredients in this valuable natural product, thus ensuring consumer safety and protection.

Product Liability in an Age of Development Risks: Should South Africa Reconsider Adopting a Development Risk Defence?

AbstractTo provide protection against harm caused by defective, unsafe products and to promote product safety, the law of product liability has developed as a specialized area of the law of delict (tort). The vexing question is, who should bear such liability? This contribution interrogates the notorious EU development risk defence, which exonerates manufacturers that meet certain stringent requirements for undiscoverable development risks in products that consequently inflict harm on consumers. In particular, it considers the election by South Africa, which recently adopted a “strict” product liability regime with the introduction of the Consumer Protection Act 2008, not to adopt such a defence. The purpose of this contribution is to consider the nature and scope of the development risk defence as contained in article 7(e) of the European Union (EU) Product Liability Directive and to determine whether it was prudent for South Africa to steer clear of incorporating a similar defence in its new statutory product liability regime.

Legal Memorandum on the Legal Protection of Consumers on the Use of Exoneration Clauses by Transportation Services of Rosalia Indah Bus Company in the Case of Theft of Goods Reviewed Based on Consumer Protection Law

This research examines the legal protection for consumers in cases involving the use of exoneration clauses by transportation services, specifically focusing on PO Rosalia Indah's bus service. Exoneration clauses, which limit a company's liability in the event of theft or loss of goods, raise significant concerns regarding consumer rights. This study evaluates whether such clauses comply with Indonesia’s Consumer Protection Law and identifies the legal remedies available to consumers affected by such provisions. The research employs a normative juridical method, analyzing legal texts, including Law No. 8/1999 on Consumer Protection and relevant court rulings, to determine the legality and enforceability of exoneration clauses in transportation agreements. Data were collected through literature reviews of legal documents, journals, and cases related to consumer protection in transportation services. The results indicate that the exoneration clauses used by PO Rosalia Indah violate the principles outlined in the Consumer Protection Law, particularly Article 18, which prohibits businesses from including provisions that reduce consumer rights. It was also found that consumers have the right to pursue compensation through litigation or non-litigation mechanisms, such as the Consumer Dispute Settlement Agency (BPSK). The study concludes with recommendations for enhancing legal frameworks and ensuring that consumer rights are adequately protected in transportation service agreements.

Mobile Money Adoption in Uganda

Mobile money has gained a lot of acceptance in the Ugandan financial sector since its inception a decade ago. This is due to high mobile phone usage, especially in rural areas where branch banking is rare. The financial sector’s adoption of mobile money has enhanced financial inclusion by providing banking services to individuals previously excluded from the financial sector. Mobile money services offer a variety of financial transactions, including payment, saving, credit, and insurance, without the need to visit a banking hall. These are poverty reduction, job creation, GDP, and the development of a sound financial sector. However, despite the increased use and growth of mobile money in Uganda, it has presented the following challenges: Some of the problems undermining the future of this innovation include regulatory barriers, cybersecurity threats, compatibility questions, and consumer scepticism about digital financial services. Solving these challenges calls for cooperation between mobile money operators, regulators, policymakers, and other interested parties to foster innovation, competition, and consumer protection while enhancing the access and usage of financial services and products. This review examines mobile money adoption in Uganda. We used available data from many reputable databases, spanning the time period from 2010 to 2024. Findings suggest that in the future, mobile money in Uganda has bright prospects in terms of future trends, new uses, and improved connections with other electronic systems. New technologies like biometric identification, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain will enhance security, user experience, and other conditions that are necessary to fulfil user needs. Communication with mobile money providers, regulators, and stakeholders is a necessary step to fully benefit from these opportunities and manage the remaining challenges. Lastly, measures such as the promotion of consumer protection, availability of financial products and services, investment in technology, and constant public sensitization would go a long way towards tapping the full potential of mobile money in Uganda, as this fuels positive social and economic change in the country. Keywords: mobile money, Uganda, financial sector, cybersecurity, Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Review article: Comparison of cosmetic regulatory policies in various countries toward consumer protection

Cosmetics are various products that enhance physical appearance and care for the skin, hair, and body. Cosmetic regulation refers to the rules and regulations imposed by a country's government or health regulatory agencies to regulate the production, marketing, and use of cosmetic products. The purpose of writing this journal is to compare the regulation of cosmetic products in Indonesia with the regulation of cosmetic products abroad, and it is hoped that people will be more aware and understand the regulation of cosmetic products that have been established. The literature method is used to conduct a review article, and the criteria chosen are based on the originality and relevance of the reading. The result of this writing is that the requirements regarding labeling in various countries are similar, such as composition, country of manufacture, product name, instructions for use, full name and address of the owner of the notification number (manufacturer), manufacturing batch number, expiration date, and special precautions that must be considered when using. Consumers must consider different regulations for cosmetic products in each country. These must be considered when making or selling cosmetic products: import and export regulations, limited ingredients, and safety testing of cosmetic products. Keywords: Cosmetics, Export, Import, Labelling, Regulation

Pink tax: Challenges faced by Indonesian women as consumers of personal care products

The phenomenon of pink tax is a gender inequality issue that discriminates women in the purchase of goods or services by producers. The objective of this research is to identify the pink tax phenomenon in Indonesia, encompassing its existence, influencing factors, and the urgency of the related issue. Additionally, this study aims to analyse the role of the government through policies regarding the emergence of the pink tax phenomenon. Policies closely associated with the pink tax include Law Number 8 of 1999 on Consumer Protection, Law Number 5 of 1999 on the Prohibition of Monopoly Practices and Unfair Business Competition, and Law Number 7 of 2014 on Trade. The research methodology employed in this study is qualitative, involving literature review, documentary analysis, and interviews. The findings of this research indicate that the pink tax exists in Indonesia, yet awareness of this issue is not evenly distributed across all layers of society. While some institutions have acknowledged the existence of this problem, there have been no concrete steps taken to reduce or address this gender-based price discrimination. Furthermore, current policies are deemed inadequate in addressing gender-based price discrimination practices and protect women’s consumer. This is attributed to the fact that gender equality elements are not fully encompassed in the existing policies.

Pembatalan Sepihak Oleh Penjual Dalam Perjanjian Jual Beli Online

Introduction: At first, the community carried out conventional buying and selling transactions where the sellers and buyers met face to face. However, with the very rapid development of technology, modern society is more inclined to carry out buying and selling transactions online without face-to-face meetings. This has a positive but also negative impact due to the fact that what is happening with the development of online buying and selling transactions triggers the emergence of unscrupulous people who take advantage of this situation. Among them are related to the seller who sometimes terminates the agreement by unilaterally canceling the buyer who has made a payment transaction for an item or product being traded.Purposes of the Research: The purpose of this study is to find out and examine whether the unilateral cancellation by the seller is an act of default and what are the legal remedies against the buyer who is harmed by the seller's unilateral cancellationMethods of the Research: This research is a normative juridical. The approach used in this research is the statute approach and the conceptual approach. The sources of legal materials are primary, secondary and tertiary where the collection of legal materials is carried out using library research. Furthermore, it is analyzed qualitatively by processing, analyzing and constructing the results as a whole so that in the end it can answer the problems studied.Results of the Research: The results of this study indicate that the cancellation of online buying and selling agreements unilaterally by the seller against the buyer is an act of default because the seller does not have the effort to fulfill the achievements or obligations that should be carried out in accordance with the rules in force in Article 7 of Law Number 8 of 1999 concerning Consumer Protection where the seller do not fulfill their achievements at all and are declared negligent in fulfilling their achievements. The process of resolving consumer disputes can be resolved through two channels, namely through litigation with lawsuits to court and non-litigation through the Consumer Dispute Settlement Agency (known as BPSK) through conciliation, mediation or arbitration and the Non-Governmental Consumer Protection Agency (known as LPKSM).

소비자 안전보건을 위한 ESG 공시기준에의 제품안전 지표설정 연구

ESG management has now become a new management paradigm both domestically and internationally. ESG is a non-financial performance indicator to achieve corporate sustainability, and encompasses responsibilities and obligations to stakeholders. Recently, as the safety issue of overseas products imported from online shopping malls in China has emerged, the need to ensure consumer safety and health from hazardous products is increasing. Accordingly, the establishment of product safety disclosure standards for consumer protection is required in the ESG information disclosure process. In this paper, in order to establish product safety indicators for sustainability disclosure standards for ESG management, the disclosure standards of major domestic and foreign initiatives were reviewed and analyzed to examine the introduction of product safety-related indicators, and product safety indicators that can be set for consumer safety and health were developed and presented. As product safety indicators, this paper first presented the occurrence of illegal and defective products, occurrence of product accidents, block hazardous products, number of recall orders and recommendations, and recall recovery rate as indicators that can be introduced throughout the entire product life cycle. In addition, the product risk level, the number and ratio of products for which risk assessment was performed, and the methods and standards used for risk assessment were presented as indicators related to product risk that indicate the level of impact of the product on consumer safety and health. In addition, the consumer safety index was presented as an indicator related to product safety accidents that occur during the consumer product use phase. The consumer safety index is an index that allows consumers to directly feel the level of product safety due to product accidents that occur when consumers use the product. It can be said to be a product safety index from the consumer's perspective that can protect consumer safety.

Spatiotemporal patterns of consumer financial fraud in the United States

PurposePrevious studies on consumer financial fraud (CFF) have primarily focused on micro-level relationships. This study seeks to provide a holistic macro-level perspective of CFF patterns in the USA. We explore whether CFFs follow a geographical pattern in the USA and evaluate whether and how the patterns and strength of spatial interrelations between states have changed over time, particularly pre-, during and post-COVID-19 Pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThis research investigates the spatial patterns inherent in four CFF variables – total reported frauds, percentage of frauds reporting a loss, total losses and median loss – across the contiguous USA from 2018 to 2022. An in-depth examination was conducted at the state level by applying Moran's I method on the consumer sentinel network data, a database administered by the Federal Trade Commission.FindingsThe findings provide robust and statistically significant spatial autocorrelation of four CFF variables across the contiguous USA that are persistent from 2018 to 2022, consistent across all discerned patterns. Moreover, upon aggregating average values over the entire study period, total losses emerge as the dimension displaying the most pronounced positive clustering. Finally, the strength of spatial autocorrelation patterns has increased post-COVID-19 Pandemic for total reported frauds, percentage of frauds reporting a loss and total losses, and it has reduced for the median loss.Practical implicationsThe sustained spatial autocorrelation in total losses underscores an elevated interconnectedness in economic and social dynamics among neighboring states. This implies that states in close proximity are predisposed to exhibit analogous levels of total and median losses. This reveals a discernible pattern in the distribution of total losses across contiguous US states, even though the values of total reported frauds and total losses variables were adjusted based on the state population.Social implicationsThe findings furnish valuable insights for policymakers, consumer protection agencies, federal and local government agencies and law enforcement agencies, offering a nuanced understanding and targeted interventions to address the spatial dimensions of CFF effectively. The increase in the strength of the spatial dependencies following COVID-19 shows the increased importance of considering spatial dependencies when designing policies and activities to combat CFF activities. The sustained spatial autocorrelation in total losses underscores an elevated interconnectedness in economic and social dynamics among neighboring states. States in close proximity are predisposed to exhibit analogous levels of total and median losses. This finding reveals a discernible pattern in the distribution of total losses across contiguous US states. To account for state size, the total number of reported frauds and total monetary losses variables were adjusted based on the state's population.Originality/valueThe study provides empirical evidence for spatial autocorrelation for CFF patterns across the states within the contiguous USA. The work shows that adopting a spatial approach to studying CFF offers a promising area for future research.

The Civil Law Aspects of Informed Consent to Medical Procedures

Introduction: Informed consent is a communication process between healthcare providers and patients regarding the medical procedures to be performed. Its aim is to provide sufficient information so that patients can make informed decisions, and it is regulated by various laws and regulations in Indonesia.Purpose of the Research: The purpose of this research is to analyze the legal position of informed consent from the perspective of Indonesian civil law and to examine the civil law implications that arise if there is a violation of the informed consent principle in medical procedures.Method of Research: This research uses normative legal methods with legislative and conceptual approaches, analyzing primary, secondary, and tertiary legal materials through literature study, and applying descriptive qualitative analysis.Results of Research: Research findings indicate that informed consent holds a strong legal position within the perspective of Indonesian civil law, being viewed as a manifestation of a therapeutic agreement that must meet the valid agreement requirements according to the Civil Code (KUHPerdata) and be supported by various regulations. Violations of the principles of informed consent can lead to significant civil legal implications, including claims for damages on the grounds of breach of contract or unlawful acts, cancellation of the therapeutic agreement, liability for breach of professional standards, and claims based on consumer protection law. These implications can involve healthcare professionals and healthcare institutions, with consequences that include payment of material and immaterial damages, the burden of proof in court, and impacts on reputation and medical practice.

Comprehensive Brand Analysis of the Telecommunication Industry in Delhi and Delhi NCR

The telecommunication sector in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) is a crucial component of India's digital landscape, catering to a population exceeding 30 million and driving technological advancements in one of the country's most economically vibrant regions. In this dynamic environment, understanding the intricacies of brand strategies, market dynamics, and consumer behavior is paramount for industry stakeholders seeking to thrive amidst fierce competition and rapid technological evolution. This in-depth brand analysis embarks on a journey to unravel the complexities of the telecommunication sector in Delhi and the NCR. Through a meticulous blend of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, the research endeavors to shed light on the diverse array of factors shaping the regional telecommunications landscape. From the strategies adopted by industry contenders to the regulatory frameworks governing operations, this exploration aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges inherent in the Delhi-NCR telecommunication market. The study delves into the strategies deployed by key players to navigate the competitive landscape. It illuminates how brands position themselves to capture market share, differentiate their offerings, and respond to evolving consumer demands. Additionally, the analysis dissects the regulatory context shaping operations within Delhi and the NCR, including licensing requirements, spectrum allocation policies, and consumer protection regulations. By examining the interplay between industry dynamics and regulatory frameworks, the research provides insights into the governance of the telecommunication sector in the region. As the telecommunication sector in Delhi-NCR continues to evolve, informed decision-making becomes imperative for industry participants, policymakers, and investors alike. By synthesizing insights gleaned from the analysis of market dynamics, consumer preferences, and regulatory frameworks, this examination serves as a strategic resource for navigating the complexities of the regional telecommunication market. Armed with actionable intelligence and a nuanced understanding of the telecommunication landscape, stakeholders can capitalize on emerging opportunities, address challenges, and contribute to the continued growth and innovation of the sector in Delhi and the NCR.

The Effectiveness of Consumer Protection Law in Overcoming Misleading Marketing in the Food and Beverage Industry

Evaluate the effectiveness of consumer protection law in addressing misleading marketing in the food and beverage industry, which often involves inaccurate product information. On the other hand, misleading marketing not only harms consumers economically, but can also have a serious impact on public health. Therefore, the active role of consumers in verifying product information is becoming increasingly important amidst the rise of misleading claims in the food and beverage sector. This research uses a normative juridical method with a statutory and conceptual approach to analyze Law No. 8/1999 on Consumer Protection. This method allows researchers to evaluate existing regulations and understand the concept of consumer protection in the context of misleading marketing. The results show that although regulations are in place, stricter implementation and enforcement are needed to protect consumers from health risks and economic losses due to misleading product information. The research suggests increased supervision by authorities, such as BPOM, as well as better collaboration between the government, businesses, and consumers to create a fairer and more transparent trading environment in the food and beverage sector.

The changing food allergen landscape in Europe calls for harmonised food allergen monitoring: Position paper

With the changing food allergen landscape in Europe, there is an increasing need for the monitoring of (non-)prepacked food products to improve the protection of consumers with food allergies. Although food allergy is a condition affecting up to 10 % of the consumers worldwide, a European harmonised approach for the management of precautionary allergen labelling, allergen reference doses, analytical methods or food product monitoring is not in place. This leads to limited food choices for consumers with food allergies but can also result in the occurrence of serious allergic incidents. The current state of non-harmonised and unregulated food allergen monitoring in Europe means risks and considerable costs for the individual consumer, but also for society in general. In this position paper, we argue for the introduction of harmonised guidelines for food allergen monitoring on the European level based on a discussion of the wide-ranging implications their lacking entails. We believe that there is a pressing need to update the European legislation on food allergens, including the introduction of harmonised monitoring programmes, which will lead to improved overall food safety, and better protection and options for consumers with food allergies.