Taking tips, chasing leads, and solving problems

By Gitte Laasby of the Journal Sentinel

You've probably had the experience of opening an expensive bottle of pills or nutrition supplements just to discover that the container was only a quarter or half full.

If you felt cheated, bitter or puzzled, you're not the only one. Many consumers ask themselves the same question: Is there a valid reason that these bottles contain so much empty space? Or are manufacturers just trying to give consumers the impression that there's more in the bottle so we don't get deterred from buying the pills because they cost so much for such a small amount?

Well, several consumers complained about "slack fill" as it's called (the difference between actual capacity of the container and the volume of the product) so Consumer Reports investigated. Here are some of the explanations that the publication received along with a couple others I found:

The federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act is supposed to prevent consumers from excessive slack fill so we don't get the illusion of more product if the extra space isn't necessary. Extra space is allowed if the package also serves as a dispenser or tray or to discourage theft (it's easier to steal small packages), for instance.

The federal government rarely sues manufacturers for excessive slack fill. In fact, one of the most recent cases was in 2008. It involved Mucinex packages, which contained 90% cardboard, cotton and air and only 10% pills.

One expert pointed out that manufacturers have to be careful not to make consumers so angry or dissatisfied that they lose their business.

Wisconsin residents can file a complaint about slack fill with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration by calling (612) 758-7221 or emailing oramincomplaints@fda.hhs.gov.

For more consumer stories, follow Gitte Laasby @GitteLaasbyMJS or get news straight to your Facebook page by liking her page.

Gitte Laasby is the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Public Investigator. She investigates government issues and consumer affairs.

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