2009 Shonky Awards

According to the requirements of the Trade Practices Act 1974, businesses must always tell the truth in advertising and all other communication. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is responsible for enforcing this legislation - www.accc.gov.au

It is with this in mind that Choice recently announced the winners of the 2009 Shonky Awards. Choice is a consumer group which regularly tests products and services to give consumers information about the quality of those products and services.

Eight lemon shaped awards were announced at a fun ceremony in October, and there are several well known brand names in the group highlighted by Choice, including Uncle Toby’s, Aldi, Qantas and L’Oreal.

This year’s awards were given for, amongst other reasons; reducing packs but still making them appear to be the same size, having a credit card surcharge, dubious statistics, and putting a chemical that doesn’t exist onto a label.

“The Shonky Awards highlight what is frankly ridiculous about some of the worst examples of sub-standard products and services Choice reviews each year,” Choice spokesman Christopher Zinn said. “While the winners might be cringing in the boardrooms we want consumers to enjoy a good laugh and be more demanding before accepting tricky labelling, bogus fees and charges and worthless devices.”

For more information www.choice.com.au/shonkys