Consumer rights: Common legal misconceptions in supermarkets

Consumer protection experts are clarifying common legal misconceptions regarding supermarket shopping. Many shoppers believe they have certain rights that do not actually exist under current regulations.

According to representatives from the Verbraucherzentrale Bayern and Verbraucherzentrale Rheinland-Pfalz, customers do not have a legal right to sample food, such as grapes or cherries, before purchase. Consuming items before payment is technically considered consuming someone else's property. While some stores may show leniency, there is no legal entitlement to do so.

However, customers are permitted to inspect the quality of goods. This includes checking the ripeness of an avocado or inspecting an egg carton to ensure items are intact, provided the packaging is not damaged and the goods remain saleable. For products with seals, such as certain shampoos, customers should consult staff before opening to avoid damaging the packaging.