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Category

Consumer-Protection

Latest Consumer-Protection news and updates about Spain.

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consumer-protection

Alert Issued Over Metal Fragments in Made Good Cereal Bars

In a recent and urgent development, the Agencia Española de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición (AESAN) has alerted consumers about the potential presence of metal fragments in cereal bars produced by the Canadian brand Made Good. This warning was triggered by a notification from the European Union's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF).

The Alert

On December 17, 2024, AESAN informed the public about the possible contamination of Made Good cereal bars with metal fragments. This alert is part of a broader notification issued through the RASFF, which is designed to quickly disseminate information about food safety issues across EU member states.

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consumer-protection

Success in Challenging Speeding Fines in Spain: A New Era for Expats and Locals

In a significant development that could impact many expats and locals in Spain, the country's administrative supreme court has clarified and simplified the process for appealing incorrectly issued speeding fines. This change comes as a welcome relief for those who have been unfairly penalized by the stringent traffic laws in Spain.

The Ruling and Its Implications

The recent ruling, announced in December 2024, addresses the growing concern over the number of wrongly issued speeding fines. The court has established clearer guidelines on how to contest these fines, making it easier for individuals to have their cases reviewed and potentially overturned.

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consumer-protection

Santander Residents Rally Against Water and Sewer Rate Hike

In a significant show of community resistance, 27 neighborhood associations in Santander have come together to challenge the recent increase in water and sewer rates, arguing that the hike violates existing legislation.

Community Unites Against Rate Increase

The decision to raise water and sewer rates has sparked widespread discontent among residents, who claim that the municipality has failed to adhere to the necessary legal procedures. The neighborhood associations, representing a broad spectrum of the community, have collectively filed an appeal against the rate increase.

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consumer-protection

Spain Launches Investigation into Airbnb Over Illegal Rental Listings

In a significant move to address the escalating housing crisis and protect consumer rights, Spain's Ministry of Consumer Affairs, led by Minister Pablo Bustinduy, has initiated an investigation into the global holiday rental platform Airbnb. The probe is centered around Airbnb's alleged failure to remove thousands of illegal rental listings from its platform.

Background and Context

The investigation was announced on December 18, 2024, following a comprehensive review that began in June of the same year. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs had issued a directive to Airbnb, demanding the immediate removal of numerous rental listings that did not comply with local regulations by failing to display the required licenses. Despite this warning, Airbnb did not comply, leading to the opening of a formal sanctioning procedure.

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consumer-protection

Beware of Fraud: Protect Yourself from Common Scams During Spain's Christmas Lottery

As the highly anticipated Spanish Christmas Lottery, known as the "Lotería de Navidad," approaches its draw on December 22, consumers are being warned about the increasing risk of fraud and scams associated with this popular event.

Official Purchase Points: The Key to Legitimacy

To avoid falling victim to fraud, it is crucial to purchase lottery tickets only from authorized and official points of sale. This includes the official website of Loterías y Apuestas del Estado (SELAE) and recognized administrative offices. Buying from unauthorized vendors, such as street sellers or unverified online platforms, can lead to purchasing fake or stolen tickets that hold no value[3].

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consumer-protection

Water Bill Hikes in England and Wales: A New Era of Increased Costs and Promised Improvements

In a significant development that will impact households across England and Wales, the UK regulator Ofwat has announced that average water bills are set to rise by 36% over the next five years. This decision, confirmed on December 19, 2024, marks a substantial increase in water costs for consumers.

The Reason Behind the Hike

The primary reason for this increase is to fund a £104 billion upgrade to the aging water infrastructure. Water companies, which were privatized in 1989, are required to reach settlements with Ofwat every five years. These agreements cover bill increases, investment amounts, and the returns investors can make. The current determination includes "substantial improvements" for both customers and the environment, as outlined by Ofwat's chief executive, David Black.

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