Agency reviewing whether nationwide rules are needed for food and grocery app pricing practices
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requested public comment on whether new rules are needed to address fees and pricing disclosures used by online food and grocery delivery platforms.
The agency said it wants data and feedback from consumers and businesses on practices such as hidden charges, late-added fees, unauthorized billing, and whether advertised prices differ from in-store prices.
“Online grocery fees that are unclear, inconsistently disclosed, or revealed only at the last moment before consumers make a purchase distort competition and harm consumers. Clear and truthful pricing is essential to competitive markets,“ said Director Christopher Mufarrige of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The FTC is committed to addressing unlawful grocery delivery pricing that obscures the true cost of groceries.”
The proposal is being reviewed by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) because it was classified as a significant regulatory action. The FTC said a national rule could strengthen consumer protections and make enforcement easier.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Director Mufarrige as he oversees the Bureau of Consumer Protection and reviews compliance for the FTC.
- For Chairman Ferguson and FTC commissioners as they evaluate the grocery delivery practices.
- For businesses to use honest pricing practices and for consumers to comprehend relevant information when submitting orders.
Sources: Federal Trade Commission,
