Gütesiegel auf Lebensmitteln: Qualitätsgarant oder Verbrauchertäuschung?

The food market offers consumers a sheer infinite variety of products that has increased even more in recent decades due to increasing global trade. The problem is, however, that it is almost impossible for the customer to evaluate the quality of the product at first glance. Fortunately, in this case, the proverbial mountain comes to Muhammed: Today, quality labels stand out on food of all product groups, from apple to frozen cheese cakes. However, it is debatable whether all these labels still pursue the originally noble goal of professionally informing consumers and thus making it easier for them to make a purchase decision, or whether sales promotion have priority. Therefore, this study examines the following questions: What are quality labels? How do the consumers perceive quality labels? Are quality seals used as a marketing instrument? What is the legal status quo?