Burger King can be fined more than R$ 11 million, says Procon-SP

Notified this Monday (2) by Procon-SP, Burger King may have to pay a fine of up to R$ 11.6 million if it is proven that the consumer was misled in advertising the Whopper Rib, which only takes rib aroma.

“Procon-SP has been looking with concern at the advertising of food products that highlight a certain ingredient that is not part of the composition of that product or that does not have the ingredient in its main composition. In this specific case of Burger King, the consumer buys the sandwich believing that they will eat the rib meat, that is, the consumer is led astray”, says Guilherme Farid, executive director of Procon-SP.

According to Procon-SP, the fast food chain must present the nutritional table of the sandwich, attesting to the composition of each of the ingredients (meat, sauces, additives, among others) and documents that prove the quality tests carried out, demonstrating the process handling, packaging and time indicated for consumption. The deadline ends on the 6th of May.

The consumer protection body also asks Burger King to present the templates of the packaging used in the delivery, copy of advertising materials released in the media and social networks by the company and partners.

In a statement, Burger King confirmed that it was notified by the consumer protection agency and will provide the requested clarifications.

The chain will change the name of the sandwich, which will be called Whopper Paleta Suína.

The company claims that the recipe will be kept, made from “100% rib-flavored pork shoulder, without any artificial ingredients”.

The Senate approved this Tuesday (3) a request that provides for a hearing with representatives of McDonald’s and Burger King to explain the cases of false advertising with their sandwiches. The hearing will be held on Thursday (12).