I ordered ground spices online and I’m convinced they were supplemented with other ingredients. Who should I complain to? DEAN DUNHAM answers

I ordered ground turmeric and ginger in bulk online to save money on my food bills. I’ve tried both herbs and I’m convinced they have bulk ingredients added to them.

Who should I complain to?

PW, by email

Consumer rights attorney Dean Dunham responds: I always say that consumers should ‘get what it says on the tin’ when they purchase goods. This isn’t just a matter of principle – it’s the law – and is especially important when it comes to food.

In this regard, several laws are in force to protect consumers, including the Food Safety Regulation, the Consumer Protection Regulation against Unfair Trade, the General Food Regulations and the Food Information Regulation. I quote all of these to demonstrate how seriously your problem is being taken, as deliberately mislabeling food is ultimately fraud and therefore a criminal offence.

However, despite the clear legal situation, food fraud (as it is commonly referred to) is becoming a significant issue for UK consumers and something we all need to be aware of.

Intentionally mislabeling food is fraud and therefore a criminal offense

The general rule is that when a food or drink product contains two or more ingredients, including any additives, they must all be listed on the label. Ingredients should be listed in order of weight, with the main ingredient first.

Fillers are an additive that increases the volume or weight of the food, and if the ground turmeric and ginger you bought contain them, they should be listed on the label and in the description you read online.

Obviously, in your case these are not listed, which means that the trader has committed a criminal offense and is in breach of contract in relation to the sale to you. In these circumstances, there are two steps you can take.

First, ask for your money back on the basis that the goods are ‘not as described’ as they should be under the Consumer Rights Act. Secondly, file a complaint with Trading Standards, where the Food Standards Agency directs consumers to complain about misleading labelling.