In recent discussions about consumer information on retail product labels, Anton Orlov, who directs the Institute for Contemporary Policy Studies, argued for a clear change in Russia: the font size used for essential product information should be enlarged. He addressed Denis Manturov, the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and proposed establishing a minimum readable font size for key details on packaging. This proposal was conveyed to Manturov via a letter that was reported by RT, which published a copy of the correspondence.
Orlov highlighted a practical problem that affects a large number of shoppers. According to him, millions of citizens regularly struggle to read food labeling in stores due to small print. He noted that many manufacturers choose small type on labels, making it nearly impossible for some customers to obtain even a basic understanding of what a product contains, its origin, and other vital information. This, he suggested, creates a gap between what is provided by producers and what consumers can actually read and rely on when making purchasing decisions.
The suggested regulatory change would require that the minimum font size be included in official standards or rules, ensuring that information such as the product’s composition, contraindications or warnings, production date, expiration date, and customer service contact details are clearly legible. Orlov emphasized that readers should be able to locate and understand these components without strain, facilitating safer and more informed choices on the spot in retail environments.
To contextualize the discussion, it is worth recalling a parallel initiative from August led by a civil project called For Honest Products. Alexander Brazhko, who heads that initiative, argued for prominent labeling where the expiration date and the composition of a product appear on labels in font sizes at least twice as large as the product name itself. The aim, according to Brazhko, is to remove ambiguity and give consumers straightforward, trustworthy information at the point of sale. These concerns reflect a broader push to improve transparency around what goods contain and how long they remain suitable for use.
In another development linked to consumer safety and transparency, there were calls within the State Duma urging pharmaceutical companies to disclose potential side effects in clearly visible terms. The proposed approach would require side effects to be presented in a manner that stands out on labeling, helping to ensure that critical safety information is not overlooked by readers who may be scanning products in the aisle or consulting packaging before making a purchase. Taken together, these proposals illustrate a growing insistence on legible information across multiple sectors, from food and consumer goods to medicines, with the aim of empowering consumers and reducing misinterpretation of packaging details.