Unilever Israel is about to be fined NIS 594,000 for violating consumer protection law pertaining to false advertisement. The company claimed its products conform with safety standards when it was aware this was not the case; and in fact, there was a salmonella infestation, the Kalkalist reports.

The fine is the result of efforts by the state’s consumer protection council, which proved the company was marketing its cornflakes and consumers believed they were safe to eat while the product was contaminated. The council showed the company received lab test results that showed infection, but the product was assent to the marketplace nonetheless.

Another cause for the fine is the fact that company service representatives misinformed consumers by insisting contaminated cornflakes were never distributed to the marketplace. Unilever is entitled to a hearing to explain its side prior to the fine being levied.

The fine is the sum minus 20% as it is the company’s first offense on record.

Unilever responds that it has received the pertinent information, which is currently under review.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)