April 2008 - Consumers` Association of Ireland

FARMERS’ MARKETS
BENEFICIAL BACTERIA • MSG
ESB CHARGES • ESSENTIAL FATS
PRESS OMBUDSMAN AND COUNCIL
COMPOST BINS • MEDIUM WAVE RADIO
TESTS: DIGITAL CAMERAS • PUSHCHAIRS
WASHING MASHINES
APRIL
2008
The Magazine of the Consumers’ Association of Ireland
How much do you know about
your local farmers’ market?
CONSUMERS’
ASSOCIATION OF
IRELAND (CAI)
The Council is the
policy-making body of
CAI. Members are
elected from within
CAI's membership at
the Annual General
Meeting. The current
members are:
Chairperson
James Doorley
Vice-Chairperson
Michael Kilcoyne
Hon Secretary
Ann Woods
Hon Treasurer
Frank Dawe
Minutes Secretary
Dorothy Gallagher
Council Members
Elaine Bolger
Peter Dargan
Richard Donohue
Mel Gannon
Diarmuid MacShane
John McMahon
Timothy Murphy
Enid O’Dowd
Emer O’Siochru
James Wims
To independently protect, promote and represent
the interests of consumers.
Editorial & Contents
APRIL
2008
he credit crisis in the world financial systems has
rumbled on since last summer with significant
implications for both the global economy and the
financial services sector. It has also raised questions about
the adequacy of regulation and consumer protection
measures. The immediate impact on consumers was most
evident here with the near collapse of Northern Rock and the
queues of depositors lining up to withdraw their savings both
in Ireland and the UK. This highlighted the need to increase
the level of protection for savings in the event of bank failure.
The UK Government is proposing to increase the levels of
deposit interest protection to almost €66,000. The CAI has
called for similar enhanced protection here from the current
level of just €20,000.
The other major issue arising from the credit crisis relates
to the regulation of the sub-prime mortgage sector. As a
result of irresponsible lending where individuals were given
expensive mortgages and loans which they could not afford,
we have seen an increase in the number of court orders for
T
repossession of properties, from 134 in 2004 to 465 in
2007. While not all these court actions would have resulted
in individuals losing their property, some people have lost
their homes and others are trapped in a spiral of crippling
debt and legal action. From February, sub-prime lenders will
be subject to regulation by the Financial Regulator. While
welcome, this action should have been taken sooner.
The upcoming revision of consumer credit legislation
offers the Government a great opportunity to reform and
enhance the rights of consumers so that we address
concerns before they become major problems. The CAI will
certainly be working hard to ensure that this happens.
James Doorley Chairperson
STAFF
Chief Executive
Dermott Jewell
Acting Editor
Margaret Brady
Editor
Kieran Doherty
Research team
John Cradden
Jenny Harrow
Aisling Murtagh
Assistant to the
Chief Executive
Judy Dunne
Subscription Officer
Mairead Noonan
Secretarial
Nora Grimes
Contributor
Justin Paulsen
122
OUR REPORTS
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which are independently and scientifically
conducted. Free goods are never accepted for
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The reports are produced in the main by
our own Editorial staff. Some material is
occasionally drawn from other foreign
independent consumer magazines.
Because Consumer Choice carries no
commercial advertising it is not swayed by
bias or influence and can point out advantages
and flaws in goods and services that other
magazines may not be able to do.
Reports on any article relate only to the
articles or goods mentioned, and not to any
other article of the same or similar description.
We do not necessarily price or report on all
brands or models within the class, and the
exclusion of any brand or model should not be
taken as a reflection on it.
consumer choice
APRIL 2008 EDITORIAL
CONSUMER CHOICE
Consumer Choice is published monthly by the
Consumers' Association of Ireland (CAI) Limited,
a wholly independent, non-government,
non-profit making body. CAI was founded in
1966 to protect and promote the interests of
the consumers of goods and services, and to
enhance the quality of life for consumers. CAI is
registered with charitable status: CHY 8559.
Advertising is not accepted for publication.
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PUBLISHED MATERIAL
No part of this publication may be reproduced,
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may not be used for any form of advertising,
sales promotion or publicity.
© Consumers’ Association of Ireland 2008
ISSN 0790-486X
Editing and Art Direction by
Margaret Brady and Dermott Jewell
Typeset, make up and production by
Swerve
Printed by
Baird’s Printing Group, Belfast / Dublin
Cover
iStockPhoto
129
125
137
132
140
135
News briefs
124
Farmers’ markets
125
COMING SOON
129
Some of the reports
we plan for you:
How local is your local market?
Working out your ESB bill
We plug in to electricity charges
Beneficial bacteria
132
What yoghurt can do for you
The Press Ombudsman and Press Council
135
Who’s watching the media?
Essential fats
137
The fats you should be eating more of
Composting and compost bins
140
Helping your garden to grow
Compact digital cameras
141
The perfect compact camera to take on holidays this summer
Pushchairs
146
Choice Buy stroller and travel systems
Washing machines
151
Six Choice Buys from our in-house test!
Monosodium Glutamate
Banking charges
Bargain food shelf
Building energy ratings
Dentists
Direct marketing
Environmental incentives
Folic acid
Food brand battles
Grocery price survey
GSM phones
Health Service satisfaction
Herbal medicine
Internet security
Junk food advertising to children
Organic food
Role of pharmacy in healthcare
VRT
Weights and measures
Yoga explained
1c & 2c coins
155
We take a look at taste enhancers
Currents
156
Copyright copycat
Nanocosmetics
iPhone arrives
Organic outrage
The demise of HD-DVD
Closure of RTÉ’s MW service
158
A premature decision?
What am I to do?
INDEX
Indexes are printed in the April, July,
October and December issues of
Consumer Choice. Turn to p149 in
this issue for the complete index of
reports from January to March 2008.
160
Spring cleaning
CONTENTS APRIL 2008
consumer choice
123
s
w
Neriefs
b
on
ion mer
t
a
u
rm
infohe cons
t
s
late of t
The world
the
Ethically Ethical!
L-R: James Doorley, CAI Chairman, Minister Micheal Martin, Dermott Jewell
UK group Ethical Consumer has
recently launched an accreditation
label that aims to combat the
growing problem of ‘greenwash’ by
making it easier for conscientious
shoppers to choose genuinely
ethical products and services.
The booming ethical market is
becoming increasingly crowded
and competitive and the very best
ethical companies are struggling to
stand out. In addition, big
multinationals with highly
controversial activities in some of
their operations are starting to
market ethical products. Some of
the UK’s leading ethical companies
have already signed up to the
scheme, with products ranging
from organic whisky to
washing-up liquid.
Heavy Burden
The EU has released a voluntary code
of conduct for nanotechnology that
places the burden of responsibility for
consumer safety on industry. The new
voluntary code was conceived as an
attempt to prevent gaps in knowledge
on possible health effects from
endangering the health of consumers
by requiring researchers to proceed in
accordance with the precautionary
principle. Under the code, not only
will the burden of proof fall on
researchers in relation to safety but
they will also be accountable for the
impact of their work.
News by
Dermott Jewell cc
124
consumer choice
Meeting Minister Martin
The CAI recently met with Minister Micheál Martin to discuss issues of concern - not
least of which is the low level of funding provided to the CAI from Exchequer Funding.
This positive meeting gives us hope for a constructive future working relationship with
the Minister and his Department on the issues affecting the Irish consumer as well as
matters relating to the future of the CAI.
Flexible Foe
Hotel key cards are a collectable item for many travellers, as they can provide a record and reminder
of memorable visits to distant places. However, for many, the point of retaining the card is to
guarantee that their personal security is not compromised. Hotel key cards hold details of a
customer’s name, partial address, room number, check-in and check-out dates - and credit card
details. The card is likely to be eventually electronically overwritten with a new guest’s information
but many consumers are not prepared to take the risk that it might be scanned in the intervening
period and pose a security risk to them personally. So, hanging on to your key card is worth
considering as part of the fight against scanning and phishing.
LOCK ’N’ ROLL
Digital lockers have been introduced by a number of online music firms to allow users to upload
their libraries to the Internet and then access them from any computer or personal device. There is
some debate about whether this violates copyright laws, in part because consumers can give others
access to these files. MP3Tunes and Sideload are two websites that facilitate users in copying,
transferring and sharing music. These sites are owned by their CEO Michael Robertson who is
currently being sued by EMI for copyright infringement. If he loses the case then the digital locker
service will likely disappear. However, Mr. Robertson has been here before and successfully walked
away which makes this a particularly interesting issue to follow closely.
Pillaging Competition
On 16 January the European Commission launched a sector inquiry into competition in the
pharmaceuticals sector, beginning with inspections at the premises of a number of innovative
and generic pharmaceutical companies. The inquiry is a response to indications that
competition in EU pharmaceutical markets are just not working well, with fewer new
pharmaceuticals being brought to the market and the entry of generic pharmaceuticals being
unreasonably delayed. It will examine whether agreements between pharmaceutical companies
infringe the EC Treaty's prohibition on restrictive business practices. An interim report is
planned for autumn 2008 with final results expected in the spring of 2009.
The findings will allow the Commission or national competition authorities to focus any
future action on the most serious competition concerns.
APRIL 2008 NEWS
FOOD
Farmers’ markets
The concept of a farmers’ market can be far from the reality of how these markets operate in Ireland. Are
consumers being misled, or do we need to rethink what a farmers’ market really means in the modern
Irish context?
In recent years, farmers’ markets have
experienced a comeback. There are
now over 130 in regular operation in
Ireland. A list of markets, their
location, and the day and time of
operation is available on the Bord Bia
website (see Useful contacts).
Ideally, farmers’ markets are markets
where farmers sell their own produce.
Farmer-only markets are not often the
reality today. Sellers or traders who
have bought produce wholesale, or
food producers such as butchers and
bakers are the more common
participants at the farmers’ market,
rather than farmers themselves.
Origin and aim
The origin of farmers’ markets is with
farmers who wished to gain access to a
direct market for their produce. The
market for farm produce was
traditionally with the local consumer.
As technology developed and
communications improved, this
enabled food to be sold in markets far
from the place of production. A greater
number of ‘middle-men’, such as
processors and wholesalers, are now
involved in how food reaches the
consumer. Changes have led to a decline
in sourcing food locally, and a
consequent decline in methods of food
retailing such as farmers’ markets.
Product and price
AT A GLANCE
Consumers can pay a high price for
food, while producers receive a poor
Local food.
price for their produce. The concept of
the farmers’ market aims to reduce the Producers.
number of middle-men involved in
Standards.
food supply, and therefore those
FOOD APRIL 2008
consumer choice
125
aiming to profit from it. Following
from this it should also lead to a
reduced purchase price for consumers.
But farmers’ markets are not seen as a
cheap outlet for buying food. The
farmers’ market is thought to be more
expensive than the supermarket. It can
be argued that this is because of the
type of food sold. If the consumer pays
a higher price for food sold at the
farmers’ market, is this justified?
The farmers’ market is often a source
of foods that can attract a higher price,
such as organic, speciality and artisan
produce, or home cooked pre-prepared
foods. Products on sale at the farmers’
market may be unavailable at the
supermarket. Similar food products
will also attract a premium price at the
supermarket.
The costs of production on the small
scale can be significant. Producers may
have to invest in equipment and
premises. The costs of processing,
packaging and distribution stay with
the producer. Producers cannot achieve
the same economies of scale that can
be achieved by the supermarket. This
can also be a cause of higher prices at
the farmers’ market.
Consumers who choose to shop at
farmers’ markets and are prepared to
pay a higher price for food often have
reasons for doing so, such having a
preference for local or organic food.
The consumer has greater direct
knowledge of how and where the
food is produced. There are also
hidden differences that cannot be
directly observed - or at least, there
should be. For example, food that is
produced and consumed locally can
be better for the environment. It
generates fewer food miles and is
then less dependent on carbon in
its production.
If consumers are prepared to pay a
higher price for such standards, then a
commitment to uphold and guarantee
standards should be made by the
farmers’ market (see Market
Certification). Consumers are misled if
they believe such standards have been
adhered to, when in fact goods have
gone through the same or similar
channels as supermarket produce.
Displaying price
The price of products is not always
clearly displayed for consumers at the
farmers’ market. The farmers’ market is
a less formal space for buying food. It is
suggested that the greater level of social
interaction when buying food at the
farmers’ market is part of the charm of
buying food from this source. The
consumer can talk to the producer and
discuss aspects of the product, such as
how it was produced and how best to
cook it. However, we should not overromanticise the social aspect at the
expense of true openness on price.
When it all boils down, the consumer
must still pay for the product.
At the first National Farmers’ Markets
Conference in 2007, the issue of pricing
was discussed, including the need for
some stallholders to display prices
more clearly. Pricing does not have to
remove the informal and social aspects
TYPES OF MARKET
Municipal markets Organised by a local
authority and operate in a public area like
the town’s market square or park.
Private markets Run by private companies.
FARMERS’ MARKET CERTIFICATION
Traders’ markets In some towns
stallholders have historical trading rights,
allowing them to trade at certain times.
The UK National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association (FARMA) has developed a certification
scheme for farmers’ markets in the UK. However, only about 50% of farmers’ markets in the
UK are certified. The core criteria for a market to receive certification are as follows. More
detailed criteria are available from the FARMA website.
Country markets Operated by the Irish
Countrywomens’ Association where home
produced goods are sold.
Cooperative or community-based
markets Run by a group of producers or a
community organisation.
126
Locally produced A certain area must be defined within which the majority of producers who
sell at the market come from. Preference must be made for local produce. Producers from
further afield may be permitted if there is no similar product available locally. These producers
should come from a maximum distance of 100 miles.
Principal producer The stall must be operated by someone directly involved in production.
Shopping centre markets Held in car
parks, organised by stallholders in
cooperation with the supermarket or
shopping centre.
Primary, own produce Must be grown or reared on the producer’s land.
Event markets Held at specific times of
year, in association with an event, like
Christmas or a community festival.
Policy and information A farmers’ market must be clearly identified as such, as distinct from
other markets. Information on production methods should be available to the consumer. The
market should have a policy that no GM produce is knowingly sold.
Adapted from the Bord Bia Guide to Selling
Through Farmers’ Markets, Farm Shops and
Box Schemes in Ireland (2007).
Other criteria Provided they do not conflict with the main principles, the market may establish
other additional criteria they feel are appropriate.
consumer choice
APRIL 2008 FOOD
Secondary, own produce Must contain as many locally sourced ingredients as possible, with
at least one ingredient produced within the defined local area.
of the market. We are not talking bar
codes and electronic scanners; a simple
sticker or small sign beside each
product could suffice. This could also
assist efficiency at the market. Some
consumers may want to chat, but
others may wish to make a quick
purchase. Also, if consumers have
already engaged with the producer and
discussed aspects of the product, they
may then feel obliged to buy the
product, regardless of price. If price is
displayed upfront, this allows
consumers to evaluate how affordable
the product is for them before they
interact with the producer.
Producer only?
There is some debate as to who
should be permitted to sell produce at
farmers’ markets. Can a farmers’
market still be a real farmers’ market
if farmers sell their produce along
with other stallholders who are not
the direct producers of their food?
Farmers’ markets also need good
consumer attendance to be viable. If
only farmers are permitted, it could
make the market less attractive for the
consumer, as both the number of
stallholders and the variety of produce
could be greatly reduced. Should
farmers be permitted to supplement
their stall with bought-in goods, when
produce is out of season? A half empty
stall is not likely to encourage
consumers to make a purchase. It is
vital, however, that if produce is not
the farmers’ own that this is made
completely clear to the consumer.
Baker, butcher and
cheesemaker
A farmer is a producer of food, but
there are also other food producers.
Farmers are primary producers,
whereas other producers process the
primary product. A butcher produces
meat, a cheesemaker produces cheese,
and a baker produces bread. Farmers
often have to gain additional skills to
produce food products from their
primary produce. Dairy farmers
produce lots of milk, but they are not
often cheesemakers too.
“The supermarket
may have the edge
on convenience but
there are other
trends that create
demand for very
different products”
If the definition of producer at the
farmers’ market is extended to include
secondary food producers, the source of
primary products is important. To
remain true to the ethos of the farmers’
market, secondary producers should get
their inputs from local primary
producers (see Local food in the urban
context and Farmers’ market certification).
Information on the source of the raw
material should be available for the
FOOD SAFETY
The current food safety legislation for food stalls1 also applies to farmers’ market stalls.
Requirements are laid out for production, labelling, transportation, and for the stall itself.
Depending on the quantity and type of product produced, it can be produced in a domestic
kitchen. Certain products, such as meat, dairy and fish products, should not be processed in
a domestic kitchen. Prepared dishes (lasagne, fish cakes etc.) using such products may be
produced in a domestic kitchen, depending on the scale of production.
Bord Bia, in its guide to selling at farmers’ markets, recommends that food producers
verify the ‘Use by’ date displayed on their product by conducting shelf life trials. ‘Use by’ is
required for products that have a shorter shelf life and they should be used by this date.
‘Best before’ indicates the date until which the product’s quality is likely to be at its best.
Stallholders must register with their local Health Service Executive office. They can get
advice from Environmental Health Officers on the food safety requirements for the sale of
their products. The FSAI conducted a survey of artisan food producers in 2002. It was
suggested that full compliance with food safety regulation is less likely for producers who
consider the regulations less relevant to them. At the National Farmers’ Markets Conference
in 2007 the issue of food safety was discussed. It was suggested that standards are higher
than in the past, but a greater exchange of information is needed.
1 Guidance Note 16: Food Stalls (Revision 1) available from http://www.fsai.ie/publications
/guidance_notes/gn16.pdf
consumer. Irish farmers cannot produce
the range of goods that the consumer
may be accustomed to seeing at the
market. Farmers’ markets should have
farmers present. However, it also seems
sensible that other skilled food
producers are permitted, to allow the
consumer access to a variety of produce.
Supply and demand
Is the farmers’ market, in its purest
form, really an option in Ireland? By
far, the greatest proportion of
agricultural land use in Ireland is for
pasture and the smaller proportion for
horticulture, fruit and potatoes. When
we think about the variety of foods we
consume and compare this with what
we currently produce, the figures look
slightly obscure. In 2002, we were a
staggering 955% self-sufficient in
butter, 820% self sufficient in beef and
veal and 533% self-sufficient in cheese.
Our agriculture seems geared towards
export markets, rather than meeting the
food demands of the local consumer.
Farmer involvement
One challenge for authentic farmers’
markets is to get more farmers
involved, but this is not a simple
process. It means a change of life for
the farmer to run a small business as
well as a farm. In 2006, the percentage
of farm households where the farmer
had an off-farm job was 41.2%, which
has risen from 23.7% in 1993. This
highlights that a lot of farmers don’t
make a living from farming alone, and
farmers’ markets could be a good
option for these farmers. But the
average size of Irish farms is also
decreasing. This can make it difficult to
have an adequate supply of produce to
sell on a regular market stall. Irish
producers are limited in what they can
produce, depending on the type of
land they farm and their skills as
farmers. Produce availability is also
limited by climate.
Conflict of values
Aspects of agriculture in Ireland can
make farmers’ markets, with a
commitment to local food sourcing,
difficult to achieve. Conflicting values
come into play. Some consumers value
local produce, but are also accustomed
to consuming a variety of fruit and
vegetables that cannot be produced
locally. If the consumer wishes to buy
locally produced, seasonal foods, then
FOOD APRIL 2008
consumer choice
127
Useful contacts
Bord Bia
Dublin Head Office
Clanwilliam Court
Lower Mount Street
Dublin 2
tel (01) 668 5155
fax (01) 668 7521
email info@bordbia.ie
www.bordbia.ie
www.bordbiavantage.ie
they also need to be aware that
oranges will never be local or in
season in Ireland (see ‘Seasonal
foods’, Consumer Choice, July 2007,
p256). We can at least only hope that
climate change does not lead to such a
transformation. Some compromise in
consumer demand may be needed for
genuine farmers’ markets in Ireland,
but it is difficult for consumers to take
that step back.
Man cannot live on sun-dried
tomatoes alone
Of those consumers who shop at
farmers’ markets, the market is not
Ireland
usually the main outlet for their food
Abbey Court
Lower Abbey Street
purchases. Consumers will often visit
Dublin 1
the supermarket for goods that they
Advice Line 1890 336 677 cannot obtain at the market.
tel (01) 817 1300
Permitting traded goods could mean
fax (01) 817 1301
that a greater range of goods are
email info@fsai.ie
available at the farmers’ market. This
ww.fsai.ie
could save the consumer an extra
shopping trip, while also making the
Useful websites
market more viable.
However, for the consumer, this
depends on the type of food sold. If
Irish Food Market
Traders Association
more luxury food items such as sunwww.irelandmarkets.com dried tomatoes and olives are sold,
Food Safety Authority of
rather than basic foodstuffs, this does
not really solve the problem of an
additional trip to the supermarket.
Also, consumers have become
accustomed to a great amount of food
choice at the supermarket. However, it
can also be argued that a lot of foods at
the supermarket are just versions of one
product. Just think of the many ways
we can buy potatoes (mashed, chips,
croquettes, hash browns, potato farls,
wedges etc.). This gives the impression
of choice, but in reality we may just be
choosing between different brands and
processing methods. But regardless, can
the farmers’ market ever compete with
this variety?
The food consumer
Irish consumers consume a wide variety
of foods. The type of food sold at the
farmers’ market is likely to be affected
by the shortened supply chain. For
example, we are not likely to find
functional foods at the farmers’ market,
but less processed foods such as meat,
cheese, fruit and veg. A key global
consumer trend identified in the Bord
Bia 2006/2007 Export Review is ‘Life on
the go – I need to be able to cope with
FARMA – Certified
Farmers’ Markets
LOCAL FOOD IN THE URBAN CONTEXT
www.farmersmarkets.net
London Farmers’
Markets
www.lfm.org.uk
Report by
Aisling Murtagh cc
Local food and farmers’ markets go hand in hand. But local food is not strictly defined. In its
guide to selling through farmers markets, farm shops and box schemes, Bord Bia suggests
that as a general rule of thumb, local food should be sourced within a 40-50km radius of
where it is sold. Foods processed within this radius, with raw ingredients from elsewhere, can
also be called local food.
But for real ‘localness’, raw materials should also be local. In the context of urban living,
the idea of local food can then be problematic. Consumers in urban areas should not be
deprived of access to local food. Standards can be adapted to different contexts, while
retaining regard for the idea of local food.
London has regulated farmers’ markets. London Farmers Markets Ltd. (see Useful
websites) sets out rules that producers must follow to allow them to sell at the market.
These rules state that produce must be produced within 100 miles of the London region, and
preferably within 50 miles. An enlightened definition of the ‘local’ could be required in the
Irish case to allow more consumers access to local food.
choice comment
Assumptions can be made about the origin of the
produce on sale at the farmers’ market, without
stallholders making direct claims of such practice.
However, the name farmers’ market itself makes a
claim about the type of market and origin of produce
sold. Currently, many of the farmers’ markets that
operate in Ireland could be more simply and
accurately described as food markets. This is not as
catchy a title, but it does not tie the market to the
ethos of a farmers’ market, when this ethos is not put
128
consumer choice
into practice. Consumers are becoming disillusioned
with farmers’ markets because of this lack of clarity.
Farmers’ markets have changed since their first
conception and how they operate today does not
always reflect their origins. In the modern Irish
context, the right regulation could benefit the producer
and the consumer. The producer who wishes to sidestep the long and winding food supply chain could
gain a fairer price for their produce, while also
guaranteeing standards for the value-driven consumer.
APRIL 2008 FOOD
the demands of my busy day.’
Unprocessed foods usually require
some time to prepare at home. The
supermarket may have the edge on
convenience but there are other trends
that create demand for very different
products. These include: ‘making a
difference – I want to feel good about
the choice I make and do my bit when
I can’ and ‘the real thing – I am looking
for the real thing, I care where it comes
from and how it is made.’
Market certification
There are, broadly speaking, a number
of different types of farmers’ market
(see Types of market). But regardless of
type, each market is independent and
there is a great amount of diversity
between farmers’ markets in Ireland. It
can be unclear to the consumer what
type of market they are shopping at.
Even if the type of market is made
clear, this does not give the consumer
a clear indication of the policies of
individual stallholders and the
number of producers and traders
present. A national system of
certification of farmers’ markets has
been developed in the UK (see
Farmers’ market certification).
The issue of regulation was discussed
at the 2007 National Farmers’ Markets
Conference. It was highlighted that
there is no ‘one size fits all’ model for
farmers’ market certification. Rules
were seen as necessary to prevent
unsuitable or poor quality produce
being sold, but rules should also have
a certain amount of flexibility.
Darina Allen, a pioneer of farmers’
markets in Ireland, told Consumer Choice
there is a need for some form of
regulation: “All farmers’ markets in
Ireland are independent. Some are
brilliant and diverse, others less vibrant.
However, it is vital that each farmers’
market draws up a protocol and code of
practice that all members sign up to. A
market controller to manage the market
and uphold standards is essential to the
successful operation of the market and
to ensure the bond of trust between
producer and consumer is protected.”
At the National Farmers’ Markets
Conference, traders were seen to resist
such a change, viewing it as extra
paperwork. Regulation should allow
each farmers’ market to retain its
independence and difference, but also
guarantee minimum standards for
the consumer.
SERVICES
Working out your ESB bill
What are ESB’s standing charges and how are they applied? Can you really save money with the
Nightsaver tariff? We also take a look at the recent controversy over estimated billing, and report on the
new pilot scheme for smart meters.
When your ESB bill comes through the
letterbox, do you ever look at it more
closely and wonder how it manages to
come up with a figure that almost
always seems very high?
Electricity costs in Ireland are
undoubtedly high relative to some other
European countries. In January 2006,
Ireland had the sixth-highest electricity
UK, according to a recent study
published by Eurostat, a European
Commission research body.
Between 2005 and the end of 2007,
ESB prices rose by no less than 26%,
before falling by just over 5% on
average in November 2007.
The Commission for Energy
Regulation (CER) says that the higher
and the reliance on fossil fuels to
generate electricity. There is no access to
cheap hydro or nuclear energy.
Furthermore, up to €4.3 billion will
have been spent upgrading and
maintaining the electricity network
between 2001 and 2010 in a muchneeded investment to support a growing
economy, says the CER. These costs,
AT A GLANCE
prices for domestic households in
Europe, and nearly 50% higher than the
prices consumers pay here are primarily
due to the small size of the Irish market
along with higher fuel costs, must be
recovered from all customers via
NightSaver.
SERVICES APRIL 2008
consumer choice
Standing charges.
Estimated billing.
129
OVERCHARGING CONTROVERSIES
Rural/urban reclassification
In late 2004, the ESB confirmed that it had written to around 3,000 of
its domestic customers advising them that they had been overcharged
by the company for the previous six years.
The overcharging had arisen as a direct result of the change in the
way that areas and households were designated urban or rural for the
purposes of ESB standing charges. The review had been undertaken
as part of the company’s preparations for the deregulation of the
electricity market in February 2005.
Following the review, the company admitted that around one in
every 500 of its 1.5 million domestic users across the country had
been overcharged an average of €200 each since 1998.
An estimated 3,000 householders across the country received a letter
from the ESB explaining that they were charged at the rural rate instead
of the lower urban rate since the company last carried out a review of
the standing charges in 1998. These were all refunded a flat fee of
€300 – slightly more the maximum that any customer was owed.
A few months later, the ESB said it would not pursue the
approximately 1,000 rural customers who had been mistakenly paying
the cheaper urban standing charge rather than the more expensive rural
version. Those customers were moved to the rural standing charge.
According to an ESB spokesman, the classification of all areas,
including existing and new developments, is now up to date and
accurate. There are roughly 600,000 customers on the rural standing
charge, with one million customers on the urban standing charges.
Estimated billing
In September 2007, a newspaper report revealed that the ESB might
have been overcharging up to 50,000 of its customers as a result of
an anomaly in its estimating billing system.
The customers in question were those whose electricity bills were
being estimated when the ESB's meter readers were unable to gain
access to the building's meter.
When access was eventually gained to the correct reading, the
difference between the estimated and the correct amount was
charged at present-day rates, even when the electricity was used at a
time when the rate was different. One customer was billed for units
used since 2002 at 2007 prices, the newspaper reported.
Following the report, the Commission for Energy Regulation ordered
the ESB to review charges applied to customers' accounts for the past
three years applying the pro-rata system, which imposes charges in
proportion to the prices ruling at the various periods of the bill when
an exact meter reading is finally provided.
The ESB said that nearly 100,000 of its customers were affected. It
said the typical refund was expected to be between €5 and €10, to
be applied to bills during the first quarter of 2008.
DOMESTIC TARIFFS AND STANDING CHARGES
Standing charges €
Urban
Urban NightSaver
Rural
Rural NightSaver
Unit charges (kwh)
Annually
Per day
Average
2-month
Annual night
storage heating
General
units
Night storage
heating units
Night units
91.98
126.29
122.64
159.87
0.2520
0.3460
0.3360
0.4380
15.37
21.11
20.50
26.72
8.03
n/a
8.03
n/a
13.24c
14.15c
13.24c
14.15c
7.00c
n/a
7.00c
n/a
n/a
7.00c
n/a
7.00c
All charges exclude VAT @ 13.5%. Figures valid since 1st Nov 2007.
electricity charges.
Yet many consumers remain unaware
or unsure of how their ESB bill is
broken down or calculated. For
instance, what is a standing charge and
why does it differ depending on
whether you live in a rural or an urban
area? How does ‘estimated’ billing work,
exactly? What is the PSO levy?
Standing charges
ESB’s standing charge covers the cost of
maintaining the supply network, as well
as the costs associated with reading the
meter, issuing and processing the bills,
etc. Different standing charges apply to
urban and rural customers, but they are
not influenced by the amount of
electricity you use. Different charges
also apply if you are a NightSaver
customer (see Nightsaver tariffs – can you
save?). A small additional standing
charge applies where a second meter is
Report by
John Cradden
cc
130
installed for electric storage heating.
Excluding VAT, standard charges range
from €91.98 per year, or €15.37 every
consumer choice
APRIL 2008 SERVICES
Rural/urban tariffs
“the standing charge
bears unfairly on
those who are
small users,
making the cost per
kWh proportionally
much higher than
for a heavy user ”
Different standing charges apply
depending on whether you live in an
area designated as urban or rural. If you
live in a rural area, the standing charges
are more expensive than for those living
in urban areas. The unit charges, which
relate to the amount of electricity you
use, remain the same.
The decision whether to classify a
home as rural or urban is made by ESB
Networks, which builds and operates
the distribution network.
The criteria for classifying areas as
urban or rural, which were traditionally
based on a number of different factors,
two months, to €159.87 annually, or
€26.72 every two months (see our
table).
Although ESB granted what it claimed
was an average price decrease in
electricity supply of some 5.4% after a
were changed to a simpler system in
2005. However, the transition became
the subject of some controversy at the
time (see Overcharging controversies).
According to an ESB spokesman, the
current classification method is
relatively simple: “For instance, if you
are living on the outskirts of a town or
wave of successive increases, what it
didn’t highlight was that standing
charges were increased by 5% (see
Choice Comment)
city in a recent development and the
line feeding the transformer is a single-
NIGHTSAVER TARIFFS - CAN YOU SAVE?
The Nightsaver tariff is advertised by ESB as a way to
make ‘substantial’ savings on your electricity bill by
maximising the use of electricity during the night-time,
when electricity is cheaper. For example, to heat a full
cylinder of water, NightSaver unit charges are 7.00
cent between the hours of 11 p.m. and 8 a.m.
(Wintertime) and between midnight and 9 a.m.
(Summertime), compared to the standard 24-hour rate
of 13.24 cent.
However, many customers have criticised the fact
that those on the Nightsaver tariff are charged a
higher tariff for their daytime usage than customers on
the normal tariff. The cost per unit of electricity for
ordinary customers during the day is 13.24 cent, while
for NightSaver customers it is 14.15 cent.
phase rural line the premises is deemed
to be rural. Equally, if the line is a threephase urban line then the premises is
deemed to be urban.”
Estimated billing
Domestic customers are billed every
two months and these bills are based
on actual or estimated meter reads. ESB
Networks’ accounting policy is to take
four meter readings each year. This will
result in two planned estimations
arising during the year of units used.
Any necessary adjustment between the
estimated reading and the actual
reading is made when the next reading
is obtained.
However, many consumers have
questioned how realistic this procedure
is as they are receiving more estimated
accounts than planned.
If you have missed the ESB meter
reader, you can submit a meter reading
online by visiting ESB’s website or by
calling the lo-call number 1850 372 372.
The ESB’s estimated billing system
works on a pro-rata basis, so that if a
meter is not read for some time, it
imposes charges according to the prices
in force at the period of each bill when
an exact meter reading is finally
provided. However, this was not always
the case (see Overcharging controversies).
Furthermore, the standing charge for a NightSaver
customer is €126 a year, while the similar charge for
ordinary customers is €92.
As if that wasn’t enough, NightSaver customers also
have to pay a once-off installation cost of €256 to add
a second NightSaver meter. This means that it takes
some time before any savings offset the cost of the
installation. This charge also covers what ESB says are
the extra costs associated with administering the
account from meter reading to calculation and billing.
ESB insists that it is possible for NightSaver
customers to make savings on their bills compared
to ordinary customers, although this depends on
the number of electricity uses that customers can
switch to the cheaper overnight rate.
SMART METERS
The Government announced in November 2007 a
national programme to install a new smart electricity
meter in every home, beginning in 2008 with a pilot
phase that will see 25,000 homes installed with the
meters in various parts of the country.
Smart meters are designed to operate like fuel
gauges in cars so that people can see exactly how
much electricity they use and at what cost. The
programme is designed to help householders cut
their costs by using electricity efficiently and in the
process to help to reduce the country's level of
carbon emissions.
The national roll-out of the scheme, which is
expected to last four years, will be coordinated by the
Commission for Energy Regulation with input from
ESB Networks and Sustainable Energy Ireland. The
scheme is designed to cut electricity demand by
about 10% for every household.
Smart meters have a number of other benefits,
moment, most of the funds from this levy
go towards wind generators and peat
stations.
In recent times, however, the market
costs of other fuels, especially oil and
coal, have risen dramatically to a point
where there is now very little difference
in the cost of production between these
plants and the PSO plants.
As a result, the CER, which sets the
levy, has deemed that for 2008 the
The Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy,
which appears as a separate item on all
customers’ bills, is intended to cover the
additional cost of sourcing electricity from
indigenous, renewable and sustainable
sources. This is done in the interests of
additional costs associated with
obtaining electricity from the PSO plants
is so low that it would have effectively
cost more money to administer the levy
than the actual total that was being
collected. So customers will not be
charged the PSO levy for the time being
and this will be listed on bills as €0.00.
The CER reviews the PSO costs
annually, as required by legislation. The
fuel diversity, security of supply and
environmental protection. At the
PSO levy for 2009 will be published on
or before 31 July 2008.
PSO levy
A spokesman told Consumer Choice that charges
for ordinary customers are based on the average
cost of generating electricity during a 24-hour
period, which would be more expensive during the
day and cheaper at night. But NightSaver customers
were already availing of the cheap night rates, so
their daytime usage cost was based only on the cost
of generating electricity during the day, he said.
The spokesman also pointed out that, unlike the
general domestic tariff, standing charges were
reduced last November 2007 along with the
decrease in unit charges.
Night-time electricity use is more
environmentally responsible, as the ESB uses its
most efficient generating systems at that time.
including better methods of selling power back to the
national grid for micro-generators. They also equip
electricity suppliers with real-time information, and
allow for remote reading, which means ESB inspectors
or estimated bills would no longer be required.
A spokesman for the CER said that the estimated
cost for rollout of smart meters will be €500 million,
but it had no figures for the likely cost of installing and
operating each smart meter. However, assuming two
million customers in any national rollout, this would
equate to about €250 per customer.
The pilot scheme, during which the participants will
not be expected to pay for installation, is expected to
provide a more accurate estimate of the eventual cost of
installing and running the meters, the spokesman said.
Most householders at present have no idea what the
electricity meter reading in their home means because
it deals in kilowatt hours, and gives no indication of the
cost of the electricity being used.
choice comment
The recent decision by ESB to reduce average electricity prices by
5.4% was welcome, but any goodwill generated by this move has
almost been squandered by the fact that it has increased the
standing charge by 5%.
Since the beginning of 2007 there has been an increase of almost
7% per kWh, which, given the increases in the cost of fuel, is
acceptable. What is not acceptable, however, is the increase in the
same period of some 34% in the standing charge.
In addition, this charge bears unfairly on those who are small
users, making the cost per kWh proportionally much higher than for a
heavy user.
ESB says the standing charge increase is needed to cover the
costs of the operation and maintenance of the network. This raises
serious questions about the inefficiency of ESB Network’s operations.
The irony of this is that those on lower incomes, or who aim to
reduce their overall usage in the interests of the environment, are
paying a disproportionately higher price.
The CAI demands that the installation charge of the smart meters
be borne in full by ESB. After all, the associated costs will surely be
offset by the savings achieved by the company through not having to
physically read meters. Efficiencies must be equitably applied.
SERVICES APRIL 2008
consumer choice
131
H E A LT H
Beneficial bacteria
Bacteria are not something we normally think of as having a positive function. But there are different types
of bacteria, and some of them are extremely beneficial to our health.
AT A GLANCE
Good bacteria.
Gut microflora.
Probiotics.
Probiotics can be defined as ‘live
microbial food ingredients that have a
beneficial effect on human health’. The
term probiotic comes from the Greek
‘for life’. This links with the actions of
probiotics. They promote the growth of
good bacteria in the body.
Some bacterial microorganisms can
cause illness or are pathogenic. Bacterial
pathogens, or what we might call ‘bad’
bacteria such as salmonella and E.coli,
can cause gastro-intestinal upset.
Probiotics are non-pathogenic bacteria
that do not cause illness. They are also
referred to as ‘good’ or ‘friendly’ bacteria.
When we are born our digestive
system is free of bacteria, but bacteria
start to take up residence in our body
immediately after birth. There are over
four hundred species of probiotic
bacteria that can inhabit our digestive
tract. Healthy adults will have three to
four hundred bacteria species
inhabiting their intestines.
(Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium) and
then by the specific strain of bacterium
(Lactobacillus casei or Bifidobacterium
bifidum). See our table on p134 for a
list of common lactic acid bacteria used
in probiotic products. Some of these
bacteria live in our intestines and are
classed as resident, while others are
transient. They do not take up
permanent residence in the digestive
tract, but form temporary colonies.
Lactic acid bacteria are commonly
used in the production of fermented
foods such as yoghurts, cheeses and
pickled foods such as sauerkraut. Their
growth lowers the pH of the food,
preventing food spoilage by inhibiting
other microbes from developing. This is
what gives dairy products, such as
cheese and yoghurt, a longer shelf life
than milk itself. While these bacteria are
used in fermented foods, not all of
these are probiotic. Yoghurt is probiotic,
but cheese is not (see Probiotic foods).
Types of good bacteria
Benefits
Lactic acid bacteria are the most
Report by
common bacteria used in probiotic
Aisling Murtagh cc foods. They can be classified by species
132
consumer choice
APRIL 2008 HEALTH
A balance of good bacteria helps our
digestive system to function at it best.
They can assist the breakdown of fat
and protein and in the manufacture of
certain B vitamins in the gut. They can
increase our body’s uptake of certain
nutrients by improving their
bioavailability.
It has been suggested that many
gastro-intestinal problems are related to
an imbalance of microflora. When we
have a healthy level of microflora in our
intestines it helps our body deal with
pathogenic bacteria if exposed to them.
Some good bacteria produce
bacteriocins, which are antibiotic-like
substances that suppress the growth of
non-beneficial, pathogenic bacteria in
the gut. Good bacteria can therefore act
as a barrier to pathogenic bacteria.
Rather than just looking at probiotics
on a general level, particular strains of
probiotic bacteria have more specific
benefits. L. casei and L. acidophilus have
been found to have immune enhancing
properties. L. acidophilus also
encourages the production of substances
that inhibit the growth of the yeast
Candida, and is useful in the treatment
of constipation. B. bifidum has been
found to be anti-pathogenic; it can
prevent the growth of undesirable
bacteria that can cause digestive upset.
Flora imbalance
Bacteria inhabit our gut from birth, and
it is important to have the right balance
of good bacteria for digestive health.
Many factors can disrupt our gut flora,
such as a bout of gastroenteritis, and
even high stress levels. Taking a course
of antibiotics kills most bacteria in the
gut, whether good or bad. A low fibre
diet can result in low levels of good gut
microflora. Probiotic foods can help to
rebalance gut flora and help repopulate
the gut with good bacteria.
It is not just bacteria that affect the
microflora balance. Other
microorganisms, such as yeasts or
viruses, also occupy the digestive tract.
For example, the yeast Candida, which
can lead to infections such as thrush,
can also inhabit our digestive tract.
Problems occur when this
microorganism increases in number
and disrupts the balance of microflora.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics stimulate the production of
probiotics. They are indigestible fibres
that are fermented by probiotic bacteria
in the colon. This then stimulates the
growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics
include fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS),
inulin and citrus pectin.
Research in 2007 in the British Journal
of Nutrition found that when the nondigestible fibres in wholegrains reach the
intestine they have a prebiotic effect. This
effect does not occur when the fibre
alone is consumed (e.g. wheatbran), but
was found to result from consumption of
the wholegrain itself.
Functional food
Foods that are marketed as having a
specific health benefit, over and above
their nutritive value, are deemed
functional foods. Probiotic foods can be
classed as functional foods. Some may
claim they will benefit the immune
system or assist digestion.
Other probiotic foods, such as biolive yoghurts, may just state they are
probiotic and not promote the specific
benefits of the bacteria they contain.
Even if a probiotic product makes no
particular health claims, it will generally
promote a good microflora balance and
depending on the bacteria present, may
have more specific benefits.
Research carried out by the European
consumer group BEUC, of which the
CAI is an active member, found that
consumers read and trust health claims
used in the marketing of functional
foods. BEUC also suggests that health
claims are often based on one attribute
of the product, which does not reflect
its overall health value. In relation to
probiotic drinks there is an element of
truth in this statement. Some probiotic
drinks can have a high sugar content,
so it is important to check the
ingredients if concerned about sugar
intake. A sweet taste can assist
consumer taste acceptance of a product.
However, this can take away from its
overall health value. It is also thought
that a diet high in sugars can support
the growth of unfavourable
microorganisms that disrupt microflora
balance, such as yeasts like Candida.
Probiotic drinks that are high in sugar
thus seem somewhat contradictory.
Safety
Probiotic foods are not new. These
bacteria have been used in certain foods
since the beginning of civilisation. They
even got a mention in the Bible. But
new strains of probiotic bacteria have
been developed for use in foods.
Consumers may be familiar with the
lactic acid bacteria such as those found in
Danone Actimel L. casei defensis or
Danone Activia Bifidus ActiRegularis.
These strains are developed, patented and
owned by the manufacturer.
Recent research from Holland has led
to some questioning of the safety of
probiotics. They were used in the
treatment of patients with pancreatitis
and more patients died from the group
where probiotics were used. In this case
probiotics were used as a drug
(introduced directly into intestine
through feeding tube). This can be
alarming for consumers, but we
consume probiotics very differently.
They are consumed as a food or food
supplement and not used as a drug.
The novel food legislation (Regulation
258/97/EC) governs the introduction of
a food or food ingredient that has not
been available on the EU market prior to
1997. Because probiotic foods have been
around for a long time, they are not
considered novel foods. If they are used
in a non-traditional way, they must be
assessed under the novel food regulation.
PROBIOTIC YOGHURTS AND DAIRY DRINKS
Manufacturer
Product
Size
Price
(€)
Price per
100g (€)
Bacteria
Danone
Actimel drink
12x100g
4.99
0.42
orange
L. casei
defensis
Danone
Activia yoghurt
500g
1.99
0.40
Bifidus
ActiRegularis
L. bulgaricus
Streptococcus
thermophilus
Glenisk
Organic natural
yoghurt wholemilk
500g
1.84
0.37
L. casei
B. bifidum
(bifidus)
L. bulgaricus
Streptococcus
thermophilus
Old
McDonald
Functional live
low fat yoghurt
plain
500g
1.99
0.40
L. acidophilus
B. longuum
L. bulgaricus
Streptococcus
thermophilus
Onken
Natural yoghurt
500g
1.41
0.28
L. acidophilus
B. longuum
Streptococcus
thermophilus
Rachel’s Dairy
Organic yoghurt
vanilla low fat
450g
1.99
0.44
L. acidophilus
Bifidobacterium
L. bulgaricus
Streptococcus
thermophilus
Yakult
Probiotic drink
7x65g
3.99
0.88
L. casei shirota
B. breve
B. infantis
Useful contacts
Irish Nutrition and
Yeo Valley
Organic natural
yoghurt
500g
1.69
0.34
L. acidophilus
Bifidobacterium
Dietetic Association
Yoplait
Everybody drink
8x100g
3.95
0.49
L. rhamnosus GG
Kill Avenue
Yoplait
Essence healthy
digestion drink
6x60g
3.99
1.10
Bifidobacterium
BB 12r
Dun Laoghaire
Yoplait
Essence immunity
boost drink
6x60g
3.99
1.10
Bifidobacterium
BB 12r
email info@indi.ie
HEALTH APRIL 2008
consumer choice
Ashgrove House
Co. Dublin
www.indi.ie
133
But some new strains of probiotic
bacteria have been developed. The novel
food regulation is currently being
revised. It has been questioned by some
European consumer organisations
whether new strains of probiotic
bacteria should be subject to approval
under the revised novel food regulation.
The European Food Safety Authority
does not currently assess the safety of
probiotics used in food.
Probiotic foods
Common probiotic products include
yoghurts and dairy drinks. These
products contain different strains of
probiotic bacteria. See our table for an
overview of a range of probiotic
products on the market and the bacteria
they contain. But not all yoghurts are
probiotic. Consumers will see bio-live,
live or probiotic on the label if they are.
The transient bacteria, L. bulgarius
and Streptococcus thermophilus, often
act as starter cultures in the yoghurt
making process. These bacteria can be
listed as ‘active bacteria’ in the
yoghurts ingredients as they are not
thought to survive passage through the
digestive tract to the gut. Other
probiotic cultures can be added to
probiotic yoghurts, such as L.
acidophilus, L. casei, B. bifidum and B.
longum. These probiotic cultures can
survive better, and the yoghurt itself
protects them from damage during
digestion. The specific bacteria that the
yoghurt contains can be shown on the
yoghurt label, or in the ingredients
lists, but is not always displayed.
Probiotic yoghurts listed in the table
are slightly more expensive than nonprobiotic yoghurts. On average, a 125g
pot of yoghurt costs about sixty cents
and a 500g pot around €1.80. Some of
the probiotic dairy drinks were more
expensive than the yoghurts. There are a
number of organic yoghurts listed in
the table. It seems that organic yoghurts
are also often probiotic.
For a product to claim it is probiotic
it must have a minimum concentration
of colony forming units (CFUs). Most
probiotic products will name the
probiotic cultures present, but do not
give the exact concentration. The greater
the concentration of probiotic bacteria,
the greater the chances of their survival
when they reach the gut. Testing of
yoghurts that claim to be probiotic and
the inclusion of the number of bacteria
that should be present in the yoghurt
134
consumer choice
APRIL 2008 HEALTH
choice comment
If consumers wish to consume probiotics, it can be hard to know which products are best.
Some companies who produce probiotic products emphasise the benefits of a specific
probiotic in their product, when consumed regularly. While these claims are often supported by
research, let us be clear that this is also a defined sales strategy. Regular consumption means
increased sales and profits.
could provide consumers with clearer
information on the quality of a
probiotic product.
Specific bacteria have specific proven
benefits, but a balance seems to be
more beneficial to overall health.
Consuming a range of different
probiotic products could help this
balance, as these products will often
contain different probiotic cultures.
We may also see the term ‘synbiotic’
on yoghurts. These products combine
prebiotics and probiotics that work in
symbiosis to encourage the growth of
good gut bacteria.
Beneficial bacteria enter a
hostile environment
When we ingest probiotic bacteria, they
have to survive an environment where
digestive juices, such as acids and bile,
can damage them. An important
function of our digestive juices is to
destroy pathogenic bacteria that can
cause illness, but this can also lead to
the destruction of good bacteria.
However, some are more resistant to
digestive juices than others. More
resistant bacteria will often be chosen
for use in probiotic products. It is
recommended that probiotic bacteria
which are used in probiotic foods
should be acid and bile tolerant,
capable of withstanding technological
processes and have a long shelf life.
Probiotic supplements
Probiotics can also be purchased in
supplement form. Probiotic
supplements will most often state the
number of bacteria present. This
number is usually measured on
manufacture of the product. The
number of probiotic bacteria present
will decline with time. Some
manufacturers will differentiate between
the number of bacteria at manufacture
and the number expected to be present
by the products expiry date.
Consumers may find that probiotic
supplements are kept refrigerated in
retail outlets. Probiotic bacteria are
living microorganisms. Storing them at
lower temperatures will prevent the
number of each probiotic bacteria in the
supplement from declining.
There is debate as to how well
probiotics survive digestion when
taken in this form. It is best to take
probiotic supplements on a full
stomach. Some probiotic supplements
can be enteric coated, which protects
them from being damaged by digestive
juices. They should then reach the
intestine more efficiently.
No RDA
There is no recommended amount of
probiotic bacteria that we should
consume on a daily basis. If we never
consume probiotics this does not mean
we will have low or no gut flora. There
are many factors that influence the
development of the correct balance of
gut flora. Sometimes gut flora need
rebalancing, such as after taking
antibiotics. In some instances they can
be more important than others.
LACTIC ACID BACTERIA
Species
Strain
Resident or Transient
Lactobacillus
L. acidophilus
Resident
L. casei
Resident
L. rhamnosus
Resident
L. bulgaricus
Transient
L. salivarius
Resident
B. bifidum
Resident
B. breve
Resident
B. infantis
Resident
B. longum
Resident
Streptococcus
thermophilus
Transient
Bifidobacterium
Other lactic acid bacteria
SERVICES
The Press Ombudsman and
Press Council
The new Press Ombudsman and Press Council aim to provide a ‘quick, free and fair’ way to complain
about the press without potentially expensive and protracted legal action. But without any capacity to
impose fines or sanctions, is this just another example of industry self-regulation?
January 2008 saw the launch of a
Press Ombudsman and Press Council.
The two organisations together
represent a new system that will allow
members of the public to complain
about newspaper or magazine articles
that breach a new Code of Practice for
Newspapers and Periodicals.
Up to now, the only option open to
individuals or groups with a serious
FACTS AT A GLANCE
• It is funded by the newspaper and periodicals industry, but claims it is independent.
• Individual complainants must have been directly affected by the article or behaviour of
the publication.
• It represents a cost-free way of making a complaint about newspapers and periodicals.
• Only articles published from January 1st 2008 on will be considered.
• More difficult and complex rulings can be referred to the Press Council.
• Complainants can appeal a decision of the Ombudsman to the Press Council in
certain cases.
• The Ombudsman cannot deal with complaints that are already the subject of legal
proceedings.
• Findings must be published by the publications concerned, but no fines or sanctions.
• A complaint must be made within three months of date of publication.
• The Ombudsman’s office cannot deal with complaints relating to issues of taste
and decency.
complaint about the press was to take
legal proceedings, which often lasted
several years and involved considerable
expense.
The Ombudsman's office was set up
in order to give members of the public
an opportunity to seek redress in a way
that it says is free, fair and quick.
The office runs what it terms a system
of independent regulation for the
printed media, which is underpinned by
the Code of Practice. This Code of
Practice contains ten principles that the
press industry has made a binding
commitment to follow, including respect
for privacy, for accuracy, and for press
standards generally (see Code of practice:
main points).
All Irish daily and Sunday
newspapers, the Irish editions of British
newspapers, provincial and regional
Irish newspapers and a number of
Irish-published periodicals have so far
SERVICES APRIL 2008
consumer choice
AT A GLANCE
Ombudsman.
Council.
Code of Practice.
135
Report by
John Cradden cc
signed up to the new structures and
the Code of Practice.
Most major newspapers and
periodicals are members either of the
National Newspapers of Ireland, the
Regional Newspapers of Ireland, or the
Periodical Publishers Association of
Ireland, which are founding members
of the new system. However, any
publication that is not a member of
one of these organisations, and which
wishes to become part of the system,
can apply to the Chairman of the
Press Council, Professor Thomas
Mitchell.
Readers can complain about an
article or articles that concern them
personally, which they feel are
inaccurate or have breached the Code
of Practice. People are also entitled to
complain about the behaviour of a
journalist if they feel the Code of
Practice has been breached.
As well as members of the public,
organisations or groups can also
complain to the office if they feel
that an article which has referred to
their organisation is in breach of part
of the Code of Practice, such as the
principle of accuracy.
Ombudsman
The Press Ombudsman is Professor
John Horgan, a former journalist who
was a member of the Seanad and Dáil
Eireann before joining DCU in l983.
He was appointed Professor of
Journalism at Dublin City University
in 1999. He is the author of a number
of books on the Irish media and a
number of political biographies. His
appointment was widely welcomed
CODE OF PRACTICE: MAIN POINTS
The key elements of the Code of Practice are:
• Newspapers and periodicals shall strive at all times
for truth and accuracy.
• When a significant inaccuracy, misleading statement
or distorted report or picture has been published, it
shall be corrected promptly and with due prominence.
• When appropriate, a retraction, apology,
clarification, explanation or response shall be
published promptly and with due prominence.
• Comment, conjecture, rumour and unconfirmed
reports shall not be reported as if they were fact,
but newspapers and periodicals are entitled to
advocate strongly their own views on topics.
Newspapers and periodicals shall strive at all times
for fairness and honesty in the procuring and
publishing of news and information.
• Publications shall not obtain information,
photographs or other material through
misrepresentation or subterfuge, unless justified by
the public interest.
• Journalists and photographers must not obtain, or
seek to obtain, information and photographs
through harassment, unless their actions are
justified in the public interest.
• Newspapers and periodicals shall not knowingly
publish matter based on malicious
misrepresentation or unfounded accusations.
Publications must take reasonable care in checking
facts before publication.
• Readers are entitled to have news and comment
presented with respect for the privacy and
sensibilities of individuals.
• Public persons are entitled to privacy. However,
where a person holds public office, deals with
public affairs, follows a public career, or has sought
or obtained publicity for his activities, publication of
relevant details of his private life and
circumstances may be justifiable where the
information revealed relates to the validity of the
person's conduct, the credibility of his public
statements, the value of his publicly expressed
views or is otherwise in the public interest.
choice comment
The CAI has serious reservations about any industry
that chooses to engage in self-regulation, which
includes solicitors, the advertising industry and a
number of others.
However, it would be unfair to cast judgement on
any regulatory system that has not yet had the chance
to do its work, particularly one that appears to have
been well-thought out and designed with reference not
only to similar regulatory mechanisms in other
countries, but also to what Professor Horgan has
termed “specifically Irish experiences and needs”.
136
consumer choice
The CAI is also mindful of the fact that it has the
discretion to engage with the Press Ombudsman’s
office regarding Consumer Choice - should any
engagement be requested. However, we are
confident that our rigorous editorial process, which
includes inviting comments and/or corrections on
rough drafts of our research articles from both
sources and organisations with a professional
interest, will minimise the likelihood of having to
enter into any complaint procedure overseen by the
Press Ombudsman.
APRIL 2008 SERVICES
when it was announced in 2007.
He has the option of referring
some significant or complex cases to
the 13-member Press Council. The
Council, whose chairman is Professor
Thomas Mitchell, is made up 50/50
of members representing the public
interest and members with
experience in the newspaper or
publications industry.
It will also be possible in some
cases to appeal a decision of the
Ombudsman to the Press Council.
Weak?
But while the Ombudsman promises to
provide a new way for readers to complain without having to go to the courts,
the system is not without its limitations.
The Ombudsman or Press Council
can give rulings on disputes and ask
newspapers to publish these, but
neither office will have the power to
discipline journalists or fine
newspapers.
What this essentially means is that
while readers may get apologies and
clarifications they will not get any
compensation.
It’s clear that Irish print
journalists, on the whole, are happy
with the new set-up. Following the
launch of the new office, The Irish
Times ran a positive editorial arguing
that “the Press Council was designed
to avoid the deficiencies of selfregulation and the imposition of
statutory, Government-controlled
regulation on the press”. The
National Union of Journalists (NUJ)
has a seat on the Press Council, a
privilege that it doesn’t enjoy with
the Press Complaints Commission in
the UK.
In his speech at the launch of the
Press Ombudsman’s Office, Professor
Horgan said he hoped the efforts of
his office and the Press Council would
ensure that the courts deal only with
the really serious issues. “But many of
the problems that readers have with
the press are ones that have no
obvious legal remedies, and perhaps
no legal remedies at all,” he said.
“This is where the Press Council and
the Office of the Press Ombudsman
have much to contribute.”
He added that it was important
that readers first take up their
complaint with the magazine or
newspaper directly before approaching
the Ombudsman.
H E A LT H
Essential fats
Dietary advice for fat intake has changed. Consumers are faced with information suggesting some fats are
good for us, while others are still not recommended. We take a look at the some of the details.
Fat can be viewed in a negative light,
but not all fats are the same, and not all
are bad.
The negative perception of fat is
probably due to its high energy value. It
has nine calories per gram. This may
have just four calories per gram. But as
with most foods, we should not evaluate
fats on their calorie content alone. Fat is
also an important nutrient and adds to
the taste of foods. The Irish Nutrition
and Dietetic Institute (INDI, see Useful
more importantly than this, recognising
the distinction between different types of
fat is vital for potential health benefits.
There are two main types of fat, saturated
Oily fish.
seem like a lot when compared with
carbohydrate and protein, which both
contacts) recommends that fat make up
one third of our total calorie intake. But
and unsaturated. The consumption of
too much saturated fat has been linked
Fatty acids.
Good and bad fat
HEALTH APRIL 2008
consumer choice
AT A GLANCE
Omega.
137
Useful contacts
HEALTH BENEFITS
Irish Nutrition and
Dietetic Association
Ashgrove House
Kill Avenue
There are many potential health benefits
associated with essential fats. They are
thought to:
Dun Laoghaire
Co. Dublin
email info@indi.ie
www.indi.ie
Food Safety Authority
of Ireland
Abbey Court
Lower Abbey Street
Dublin 1
Advice Line 1890 336
• Protect against heart disease.
• Aid in reducing blood cholesterol.
• Reduce inflammation in the body and
assist inflammatory joint conditions, such
as rheumatoid arthritis.
• Beneficial in the treatment of
inflammatory skin conditions, such as
eczema and psoriasis.
• Aid in the treatment of depression.
• Help treat behaviour and learning
difficulties in children.
Essential fats have been called ‘brain food’
because of their importance in brain
function. They are a component of nerve
cell membranes that allow signals to travel
more effectively. Research from the UK has
shown when children were given an omega
3 (EPA and DHA) supplement for 12 weeks
there was a significant improvement in
their educational performance. See the
Durham Local Education Authority website
for more details.
677
tel (01) 817 1300
with high cholesterol and heart disease.
Trans fats are another type of fat. These
are most commonly formed when
vegetable oils are hydrogenated: a
process where hydrogen is added to
liquid fats, causing them to harden.
fax (01) 817 1301
email info@fsai.ie
www.fsai.ie
Useful websites
Durham Local
Education Authority
(UK)
www.durhamtrial.org
Food and Behaviour
Research
www.fabresearch.org
Bord Iascaigh Mhara
www.bim.ie
Margarine is most commonly produced
in this way. Hydrogenated oils are often
found in processed foods such as
biscuits, cakes and pastries. Trans fats are
unsaturated fats, but affect blood
cholesterol by increasing total cholesterol
and lowering the ratio of good (HDL) to
bad cholesterol (LDL). Saturated and
trans fats are ‘bad’ fats. When we
consume too much of them, they can
have a negative effect on health.
Good fats have the opposite effect and
can be beneficial for our health. The
benefits of good fats can counteract the
negative effects of bad fats. They have
been found to lower cholesterol and
protect against heart disease. Unsaturated
fats include monounsaturated and
polyunsaturated fats. It is
polyunsaturated fats, such as those found
in fish, nuts, seeds and their plant oils
that contain the essential fats omega 3
and 6. Monounsaturated fats, such as
olive and peanut oil contain omega 9.
Omega 3 is the most commonly
discussed essential fat. The modern diet
may be more deficient in this essential
fat than in other types.
Sources
Not all sources of essential fat are equal.
Sources of essential fat usually have more
than one type, and some sources will
contain a greater amount of one essential
fat than another. For example, fish and
flax seed oil are both rich sources of
omega 3, but also contain some omega
6. As with most things dietary, balance is
Report by
Aisling Murtagh cc most important (also see Length of the
138
consumer choice
APRIL 2008 HEALTH
“Is it better to
get essential fats
from food
supplements?
The dominant expert
opinion is no. ”
chain). The modern diet is thought to
contain much more omega 6 than omega
3. Our ancestors’ diet was very different
to ours today. It contained more fish,
nuts and seeds, which had a better
balance of essential fats. Some experts
suggest that ideally we should have an
equal amount of each.
Fat in foods does not always respect
the good fat/bad fat boundary. Sources of
saturated fat, such as red meat and dairy
produce, can also be sources of essential
fats. Even though these foods may be
sources of essential fats, they have more
saturated fat than polyunsaturated
essential fat, making them less than ideal
sources. But they also contain other
important nutrients, such as iron and
calcium.
Oily fish is championed as the best
source of essential fats. Oily fish include:
salmon, trout, mackerel, herring, sardines,
pilchards, kipper, eel, whitebait, fresh
tuna, anchovies, swordfish, bloater, cacha,
carp, hilsa, jack fish, katla, orange roughy,
pangas, and sprats. Oily fish are so-called
because they store fat in their muscle.
White fish are not oily because they store
fat in their liver. This is where cod liver
and halibut oil are derived from.
The best plant source of omega 3 is
flax or linseed. Generally, nuts and seeds
are good sources, especially walnuts,
pecans, sunflower, pumpkin, and hemp
seeds. However, some polyunsaturated
fats contain much more omega 6 than
omega 3, such as sunflower and peanut
oil. Although not the most significant
source, surprisingly, green leafy
vegetables, such as broccoli, kale,
spinach, and even seaweed contain
some omega 3. Yet another reason to eat
your greens.
Intake
We cannot manufacture essential fats in
the body, so we must consume them
through the diet. However, there is no
official Recommended Daily Allowance
(RDA) for essential fats. Fats are macronutrients (as opposed to micronutrients like vitamins), for which there
is no RDA set. Advice on how much fish
we should consume has been given, but
in the context of safety and
contaminants and not in the context of
the benefits of essential fats. This advice
also varies. In 2004, the UK Scientific
Advisory Committee on Nutrition
advised that 450mg (0.45g) of long
chain essential fats per day, or 3,000mg
(3g) a week is a safe amount to
consume. The Food Safety Authority of
Ireland (FSAI, see Useful contacts)
recommends eating two portions of fish
per week, one of which should be oily.
In 2004, the UK Food Standards Agency
recommended that men and boys, and
women past childbearing age, can eat
up to four portions of oily fish a week
(see Focus on fish).
Length of the chain
Apart from fish, there are many other
sources of essential fats. So why are the
fats from fish so good? When the
chemical make-up of each individual
fatty acid is analysed, they are not all
the same.
There are two types of fatty acids,
short and long chain. Short chain fatty
acids have fewer carbon fatty acids
than long chain fatty acids. Linoleic
acid (LA), Alpha linoleic acid (ALA)
and Gamma-linolenic (GLA) are short
chain fatty acids. Short chain fatty
acids are considered to be parent fatty
acids, as long chain fatty acids are
made from them. Short chain fatty
acids must be converted into long
chain fatty acids before the human
body can use and benefit from them.
The main long chain fatty acids are
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA),
Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The
FOCUS ON FISH
The dietary benefits of consuming oily fish
are well discussed, but debate surrounding
fish consumption has grown more complex
than these benefits alone.
Essential fats are important during
pregnancy. They function in the
development of the foetus, especially the
brain and nervous system. They are also
thought to protect against premature
delivery and low birth weight. Pregnant
women and women considering getting
pregnant have been advised to limit
consumption of oily fish to two portions a
week because of concerns over
contaminants, mercury in particular. Some
fish contain higher levels of mercury than
others, such as shark, swordfish, marlin
omega 3 in fish is EPA and DHA,
whereas in plant sources it is ALA.
Conversion: short to long
Fish live on microalgae that contain short
chain fatty acids. Fish convert these into
long chain essential fats in their body.
Conversion is not thought to occur
efficiently in the human body. Research
has found that conversion of ALA to EPA
and DHA is greater in women than men.
This has been linked with the essential fat
needs of the developing foetus, suggesting
that womens’ bodies make greater use of
essential fats because of these extra
demands. In general, conversion of ALA
to EPA has been found to occur more
efficiently than ALA to DHA.
The modern western diet may inhibit
the body’s use of short chain essential
fats. Saturated fats, trans fats and the
absence of certain vitamin and mineral
co-factors affect conversion. A diet that
is high in omega 6 can limit conversion
of ALA to long chain fatty acids. So it
seems it may not be the fault of the
short chain essential fat, but our diet in
general, that can limit its capacity to
benefit health.
Food marketing and the
omegas
Functional foods containing essential fats
have been developed (see ‘Functional
foods’, Consumer Choice, August 2006,
p293). These products will usually have
added fish oils and include some dairy
spreads, milk and juice. Consuming
these products can be a useful way to get
some essential fats into the diet.
However, natural sources may still be the
better option. For example, although
adding essential fats to dairy spreads
and fresh tuna. During pregnancy, they
should be limited over other oily fish
species. To avoid this issue, plant sources
of essential fats could also be useful
during pregnancy.
At the 2007 World Seafood Congress in
Dublin, experts discussed the need for current
fish consumption recommendations to be
changed, given the low relative risk of the
presence of such contaminants and the great
benefits of essential fats in the development
of the foetus. A 2007 FSAI survey of
contaminants in fish products available on the
Irish market found that current contaminant
levels are well below EU limits.
The level of essential fat in fish is also
thought to depend on how the fish is
gives them a greater health value, other
sources of essential fats have better
overall nutritional value, such as fish,
nuts and seeds.
The fact that products naturally
contain essential fats can be emphasised
in food marketing and on product labels.
But as already discussed, some sources of
essential fat are better than others. For
example, Hellmann’s mayonnaise is now
labelled as a source of omega 3, but
when you look at the label, it contains
twice as much omega 6, the more
predominant omega in the modern diet.
In addition, the omega 3 present is in the
short chain form, which is more difficult
for the body to benefit from.
Gaining the most benefits
Is it better to get essential fats from food
supplements? The dominant expert
opinion is no. At the 2007 World
Seafood Congress in Dublin the issue of
consuming fish itself or taking fish oil
supplements to obtain essential fats was
discussed. It was suggested that fish is
most ideal as it contains other bioactive
substances that enable the omegas to
function. Fish is also a source of other
important nutrients, such as high quality
and easily digested protein, minerals
selenium and iodine, and vitamins A, B
produced. Fish manufacture essential fats
from their natural diet. Just as the modern
diet has changed for us, it has also been
manipulated for farmed fish. When fish are
farmed, their diet and living conditions can
be quite different to in the wild. It has been
suggested that farmed fish have less
omega 3 than wild fish.
There are also other environmental
concerns in relation to fish consumption.
Stocks of some fish are already in serious
decline. If there is a rise in demand for oily
fish, this will put greater pressure on
stocks. But we don’t have to rely on a few
species of fish to gain our essential fats, as
there are a great number of oily fish types
(see Sources).
and D.
Should we consume a bit of both? If
consuming essential fats to benefit a
specific condition, more may be advisable
and supplements could be considered.
However, no food supplement should be
taken without consideration of the
possible contra-indications. It is thought
that when essential fats are taken along
with other medications, such as warfarin
and statins, they can increase the potency
of these medications.
Fish oil supplements can vary in
quality. The cheapest may not be the best.
Look for information on the pack like the
source of the fish oil, how it was
produced and if it is free of contaminants.
Essential fats are easily damaged by
heat, light and air. Fish should not be
overcooked and should be consumed as
fresh as possible. Tinned tuna is not a
source of omega 3 as the essential fats are
destroyed during processing.
If you want to get your essential fats
from a plant source there are also a few
things to consider. Seeds are a good
source of essential fats, but whole seeds
can be hard to digest. It is best to grind
the seeds, which is best done just before
they are consumed. This ensures that the
oils are at their best and their quality has
not deteriorated.
choice comment
Fat can be bad for our health when we consume too
much of the wrong types. While our diets may contain
significant amounts of vegetable oils that are a
potential source of essential fats, these are often
consumed in a form or quantity that makes good fat
bad, such as hydrogenated oils in processed foods.
Some foods frequently consumed in the modern diet do
seem to have the scales tipped in favour of bad fats.
Deficiency in good fats, especially omega 3, is thought
to be common. Making an effort to increase our intake
of this particular essential fat could be wise (and with
the health benefits, could make us wiser too!)
HEALTH APRIL 2008
consumer choice
139
ENVIRONMENT
Composting and compost bins
Home composting is becoming a mainstream domestic activity thanks to environmental concerns and
soaring waste charges. We show you why it’s all the rage and why you should do it too.
Useful contacts
Enfo
17 St. Andrew Street,
Dublin 2,
Ireland.
Lo-call 1890 200 191
tel (01) 888 2001
fax (01) 888 3946
email info@enfo.ie
www.enfo.ie
Irish Peatland
Conservation Council
Comhairle Chaomhnaithe
Phortaigh na hÉireann
Bog of Allen Nature Centre
Lullymore
The huge rise in the availability of
compost bins from a variety of sources,
including county and city councils, might
suggest to some that we are becoming a
greenhouse plants and is also an
excellent soil conditioner. It saves you
money as you don’t need to buy garden
fertiliser from hardware stores.
Irish home produces over a tonne of
waste each year. Of this, organic (food
and garden) waste constitutes the single
largest component, accounting for 32%
nation of keen gardeners.
Home composting is the process
whereby organic kitchen and garden
waste, such as flowers, grass, fruit &
vegetables, eggshells, tea and coffee are
But in an age of growing awareness
about the environment and the benefits
of recycling, the contribution that
composting can make to the reduction of
household waste sent to landfill has been
of the total, according to the
Environment Protection Agency (EPA).
As well as helping the environment,
this also means saving money on waste
charges, particularly if you are charged
deposited onto a pile or into a special
bin to break down and decompose into
compost. Compost is ready when it
becomes dark, crumbly and uniform in
texture, usually in about one year.
This home-made compost can be used
to feed your garden, potted plants,
the main factor in its huge growth among
households throughout the country.
By composting your garden or kitchen
waste, you can reduce the volume of your
household rubbish by up to 50%,
according to the Composting Association
of Ireland (Cré). This is because every
on a pay-by-weight basis.
If you have a garden of any kind, you
can have a compost bin. Many local
authorities now provide home
composting bins at subsidised rates or
alternatively you can purchase one at a
garden centre or hardware shop. Typical
prices for bins range from €30-€50.
There are more expensive versions
available that can take items that a
regular compost bin cannot, such as
meat and fish. One such bin is the Green
WHAT YOU CAN AND CAN’T COMPOST
Rathangan
Co Kildare
tel (045) 860133
or (045) 860481
email bogs@ipcc.ie
www.ipcc.ie/compwildhea
p.html
Useful websites
Race against Waste
www.raceagainstwaste.ie
140
Do compost:
• Green waste
• Fruit, vegetables (cooked or raw)
• Bread, pasta and rice
• Tea bags and coffee
• Garden waste, leaves
• Weeds (not weed seeds)
• Dead plants and flowers
• Branches and twigs
• Grass and hedge cuttings
• Kitchen paper
• Sawdust and wood shavings
• Straw
• Paper
• Wood
• Cut twigs and branches
• Crushed egg shells
consumer choice
Don’t compost:
• Raw and cooked meat, bones, poultry, fish
and dairy products (attract pests)
• Greasy, oily food like mayonnaise or butter
(attract pests and decompose slowly)
• Dog and cat litter (may contain pathogens, or
disease causing organisms)
• Non-biodegradable materials like glass,
metal or plastic (will not decompose)
• Glossy paper (the coating will not decompose)
• Weed seeds (spread weeds)
• Diseased plant material (can infect other plants)
• Garden waste recently sprayed with pesticide,
sawdust or wood shavings from treated wood
(chemicals need time to decompose)
• Disposable nappies, used paper tissue (could
potentially contain pathogens)
APRIL 2008 ENVIRONMENT
Cone, which costs €195, including VAT.
Part of the reason for the higher cost is
that it features a solar-powered heating
unit and a double walled plastic structure
that encourages bacteria growth to speed
up the breakdown process. The final
result is a rich soil conditioner that seeps
into the surrounding ground.
Many local authorities will also be
introducing a 'brown bin' collection
for kitchen waste which will then be
composted at large scale composting
facilities. The highest quality compost
can be produced from the brown
bin scheme.
PRODUCTS
Test
w
The Choice Buy Canon Digital Ixus 960 IS is
an elegant camera.
w
The Choice Buy Nikon Coolpix P5100 is aimed at experienced users.
Useful contacts
Compact Digital Cameras
Canon
tel (01) 205 2400
Passport – check, money – check, tickets – check, digital camera – um?
www.canon.ie
Casio
Buying a digital camera to bring on
holidays can be a daunting task, as
the sales assistant stands opposite
you and spouts features and
statistics at you. You look around
for a way out only to see row after
row of shiny new cameras in a
bewildering number of sizes and
colours. But don’t worry over the
next few pages we bring you our
latest Choice Buy compact cameras,
and tell you what to look out for,
and what to avoid
What does it all mean?
The first thing you need to decide is
what will the camera be used for?
Taking photos obviously, but do you
want to take a few snaps as a
reminder of a great family holiday or
something a bit more advanced and
flexible for taking photos of
landscapes and architecture? We have
looked at both basic and non-basic
cameras and bring you Choice Buys
for both options.
The number of megapixels a
camera has refers to the resolution,
the overall quality of the final
photo. Manufacturers have been
adding more and more megapixels
to digital cameras, in theory to
improve the quality of your photos.
But unless you are thinking of
printing your holiday snaps the size
of a billboard the extra megapixels
won’t make any difference to the
quality of your photos.
The issue of the zoom of a camera
can be confusing for consumers. Most
cameras are labelled with both optical
and digital zoom. Optical zoom uses
the lens to make an object appear
larger, as with a 35mm film camera.
Digital zoom uses technology to crop
and enlarge the image, therefore
degrading the photo quality slightly.
When buying a camera it is the
optical zoom that you should look
for and not the digital zoom.
Many cameras no longer have a
traditional viewfinder on them, but
instead you use the LCD screen on
the back of the camera to compose
and take the picture. This can lead to
camera shake and blurry photos as it
is more difficult to hold the camera
steady. Optical image stabilisation
uses technology to stabilise the lens.
Look for optical image stabilization
and image sensor (or CCD) shift
image stabilization. All of our Choice
Buys have this feature.
Many cameras can now take more
than one type of memory card,
meaning that if you are changing your
camera or switching to a different
brand, you may not have to invest in
new memory cards. The most
common types are SD (secure digital),
compact flash and xD picture cards,
but some manufacturers use
proprietary cards so be sure to check.
It is difficult to say how many photos
can be stored on a card as this will
depend on the quality settings you
choose on your camera. Cards now
come in sizes up to 2GB, which
should be more than enough for even
the most snap happy photographer. A
SD card ranges in price from €40 for
256MB to €90 for 2GB.
All of the cameras tested can record
short movies. In all cases the quality
is not comparable to a camcorder, so
your camera may not be the best
replacement if you like taking movie
clips.
More and more cameras offer
automatic exposure modes. These
set different preferences for the
camera’s automatic functions, for
example priority on high shutter
PRODUCTS APRIL 2008 consumer
choice
tel 0044 20 8450 9131
www.casio.co.uk
Fujifilm Ireland
tel (01) 882 0200
www.fujifilm.ie
Nikon UK Ltd
tel 0044 845 4500
0155
www.nikon.co.uk
Panasonic Ireland Ltd
tel (01) 295 0942
www.panasonic.co.uk
AT A GLANCE
Holiday cameras.
Latest trends.
Eight Choice Buys.
141
USING THE TABLE
The table has been divided into basic and non-basic
cameras. Basic cameras are designed to be a simple point
and shoot camera. They are ideal for taking holiday snaps.
Most are very small and slim and would fit into your pocket
easily.
The non-basic cameras in our table provide lots of
manual adjustments (shutter speed/aperture/white balance
etc.) for the more advanced photographer, but the cameras
tested are still small enough to fit easily into your bag.
The more stars the better.
MODEL
SPECIFICATION
Price: Typical retailer’s price if you shop around.
Resolution: Effective pixel count, stated in millions of pixels
Weight: The weight of the camera in grams, with the battery
and memory card.
Internal memory: Built-in memory capacity in megabytes.
Memory card type: SD Secure Digital, SDHC Secure Digital
High Capacity, MMC multi media card, xD picture card.
Shooting modes: number of selectable exposure programs.
Movie zoom: ✓✓ means optical zoom, ✓ means digital
zoom only.
TEST PERFORMANCE
Test results based on automatic mode.
Image quality: takes into account resolution of the images
and colour reproduction among other things.
Ease of use: How easy the manual is to follow, inserting and
removing the memory card and battery, and setting camera
modes.
Viewfinder/ monitor: accuracy and quality.
Movie quality: on a TV and on a PC.
SPECIFICATION
Price (€)
resolution
(mp)
optical
zoom
size (cm)
(hxwxd)
weight (g)
LCD screen
(mm) (wxh)
optical
viewfinder
internal
memory
(mb)
BASIC
1
Canon Digital Ixus 860 IS
400
8
3.8x
9.5x6x3
181
60x45
0
2
Casio Exilim EX-Z1200
341
12.1
3x
9.5x6x2.5
180
60x38
11.4
3
Fujifilm FinePix F50fd
400
12
3x
9.5x6.5x2.5
175
54x40
25
4
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX33
380
8.1
3.6x
9.5x5.5x2.5
151
50x37
27
5
Casio Exilim EX-S880
310
8.1
3x
9.6x6.5x2
144
60x38
10.8
6
Olympus mju820
270
8
5x
10x6x2.5
140
60x38
48
7
Fujifilm FinePix Z10fd
195
7.2
3x
9.5x6x2.5
126
54x40
54
8
Olympus FE-300
255
12
3x
10x6x2.5
132
50x37
48
9
Pentax Optio M40
170
8
3x
10.5x6x2
132
50x37
21.9
10 Samsung L83T
250
8.2
3x
9.5x6x2.5
132
50x37
19
11 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T70
400
8.1
3x
9.5x6x2
154
50x37
31
12 Olympus mju790 SW
330
7.1
3x
9.5x6.5x2.5
151
65x37
15.5
13 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T200
450
8.1
5x
10x6x2
184
50x37
31
14 Samsung NV20
240
12.1
3x
9.5x6.5x3
168
76x43
20
15 Kodak Easyshare M753
150
7
3x
10x6.5x2.5
131
50x37
11
16 Olympus mju1200
333
12
3x
10x6x2.5
140
50x37
48
17 Pentax Optio Z10
290
8
7x
10x6x2.5
145
54x40
52.1
18 Hewlett-Packard R937
350
8.15
3x
10.5x7.5x2.5
235
50x37
32
19 Samsung i85
275
8.2
5x
10.5x6.5x2.5
182
73x55
190
20 Samsung L730
132
7.2
3x
10x6x2.5
153
61x45
10
21 Casio Exilim EX-Z77
230
7.2
3x
10x6x2.5
133
50x37
11.4
22 Nikon Coolpix S510
264
8
3x
9.5x5.5x2.5
142
56x36
52
23 Nikon Coolpix L15
191
8
3x
9.5x6.5x3
186
50x37
23
24 Canon Powershot A650 IS
430
12.1
6x
11.5x7x4.5
420
56x42
25 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX100
440
12.2
3.6x
9.5x6x3
174
50x37
26 Canon Digital Ixus 960 IS
500
12.1
3.7x
10x6.5x3
200
49x37
3
0
27 Nikon Coolpix P5100
388
12.1
3.5x
10.5x7x4
250
50x37
3
52
28 Kodak Easyshare Z1275
450
12.1
5x
9x4x7
235
50x37
58
29 Fujifilm FinePix A900
199
9
4x
10x6.5x4
220
50x37
10
NON-BASIC
142
consumer choice APRIL 2008 PRODUCTS
3
0
27
speed in ‘Sport’ mode. In some cases
there are up to 39 different preset
modes so it’s important to have a
good idea of what each mode does
before using them, especially if there
are more than 10 program options.
There seems to be a tendency for
manufacturers to substitute an
increasing number of such programs
for actual manual exposure functions.
Another new addition to the digital
camera is internal memory. Except
for the Canon models (1, 24, 26) all
the cameras tested have the ability to
save photos to the internal memory
as well as to memory cards. The
internal memory tends to be quite
small, so an additional memory card
is still needed.
A kaleidoscope of colours
Over the last year cameras have
become another fashion accessory.
While traditionally most cameras
came in a choice of silver or black,
you can now choose between a
dazzling array of colours. The Fujifilm
FinePix Z10fd (7), for example, comes
in seven different colours including
hot pink, wave blue, red, midnight
black, wasabi green, moss green and
sunset orange. Kodak, Casio,
Olympus, Pentax, Samsung, Sony and
Nikon all have basic cameras
available in a range of colours. Now
you can match your camera to your
beach towel.
A word of warning though, all our
Choice Buys come in the standard
silver or black, and none of the more
colourful cameras quite met the
standard we set for our Choice Buys.
TEST PERFORMANCE
SCORE %
memory
card type
shooting
modes
image
stabilisation
movie
zoom
image
quality (30%)
ease of
use (25%)
viewfinder/
monitor (12%)
versatility battery
(12%)
life (10%)
flash
(8%)
movie
quality
(3%)
SD, SDHC, MMC
17
✓
✓
www
wwww
wwww
wwww
wwwww
wwww
www
60
SD, MMC
35
✓
✓
www
wwww
www
www
wwww
www
ww
58
xD, SD, SDHC
16
✓
www
www
www
www
wwwww
www
ww
57
SD, SDHC, MMC
21
✓
www
www
www
www
wwwww
wwww
ww
57
SD, SDHC, MMC
38
✓
✓
www
www
www
www
wwwww
wwww
ww
54
SD, SDHC, MMC
38
✓
✓
www
www
www
www
wwwww
wwww
ww
54
xD
20
✓
www
www
www
ww
wwwww
wwww
ww
52
xD, SD, SDHC
15
www
www
www
www
wwww
www
ww
52
xD
17
✓✓
www
www
www
www
wwww
wwww
ww
52
SDHC
10
✓
www
www
ww
www
wwww
wwww
ww
52
SDHC
14
✓✓
www
wwww
www
www
wwww
wwww
ww
52
MemoryStick DUO
10
✓✓
www
www
www
www
www
wwww
w
51
xD
23
✓
www
wwww
www
www
www
wwww
ww
51
MemoryStick DUO
10
✓✓
www
www
www
www
wwwww
wwww
ww
50
SDHC
15
✓✓
www
www
ww
ww
wwwww
www
w
50
SDHC
16
✓
www
ww
www
www
wwww
wwww
ww
49
xD
20
✓
www
www
ww
www
www
wwww
ww
48
SDHC
10
✓✓
www
www
www
ww
www
wwww
w
48
SDHC
8
✓✓
www
ww
www
www
wwwww
wwww
ww
48
SDHC
14
✓✓
www
www
ww
ww
wwww
wwww
ww
47
SDHC
11
✓✓
www
www
ww
www
wwwww
www
ww
46
SD, SDHC, MMC
39
✓
ww
ww
www
www
wwwww
wwww
ww
46
SDHC
14
✓
✓
www
www
www
www
ww
wwww
w
37
SDHC
14
✓
✓
www
www
www
wwww
wwwww
wwww
www
62
SD, SDHC, MMC
21
✓
✓
www
wwww
www
www
wwwww
wwww
ww
60
SD, SDHC, MMC
21
✓
www
wwww
www
wwww
wwwww
www
www
58
SD, SDHC, MMC
18
✓
✓
www
www
www
wwww
wwwww
wwww
ww
57
SD, SDHC
15
✓
✓
www
ww
www
www
wwww
www
ww
49
SDHC
17
✓✓
www
www
ww
ww
wwww
wwww
ww
48
✓
✓
✓
PRODUCTS APRIL 2008 consumer
choice
143
choice buys
NON-BASIC
a very good battery life and very slow
24 Canon Powershot
shutter delay, even when using auto
A650 IS €430
focus. The camera starts up and
This Canon is
was ready to go very quickly. This
considered a non-basic
was the best of the basic models,
camera, with lots of
but also slightly larger than the
manual adjustment
others. As with all of the cameras
functions, including
tested it can record video with
manual focus, for more
sound, but only offers digital zoom
experienced users.
with this feature.
Independent selection of
Resolution 8 megapixels Optical
shutter and aperture is
zoom 3.8x Size 9.5x6x3cm
The Choice Buy Canon Powershot A650 IS
available as well as a
Weight 181g Colours Silver, black
has lots of manual adjustment functions.
priority mode for both.
Image quality was equally as good on both manual and
NON-BASIC
automatic settings. It has a 6x optical zoom, which is
26 Canon Digital Ixus 960 IS €500
quite large for a camera of this size. It has an
From the same family as the Canon Digital Ixus 860 IS
additional viewfinder, as well as a LCD monitor, which
(1) the 960 IS is an elegant camera, and while not too
can both be used for taking pictures. However the
thick is not quite as small as some of the other
viewfinder accuracy and quality weren’t great. It was
cameras tested. It comes with the ability to manually
also the only camera on test to offer an adjustable LCD
adjust some of the functions. The optical viewfinder
monitor which can be tilted to offer better composing
and monitor can both be used for shooting, although
and sharing. Rechargeable batteries weren’t delivered
we found that the viewfinder accuracy and quality
with the camera, but it did have a very good battery
wasn’t great, so you might be better to use the LCD
life. We liked its high versatility and low shutter delay.
screen. It has a 3.7x optical zoom with optical image
Resolution 12.1 megapixels Optical zoom 6x
stabilisation. As with the other Canon cameras tested
Size 11.5x7x4.5cm Weight 420g Colours Silver
(1, 24) it has no internal memory. The camera was
ready for operation very quickly.
NON-BASIC
Resolution 12.1 megapixels Optical zoom 3.7x
25 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX100 €440
Size 10x6.5x3cm Weight 200g Colours Silver
This Choice Buy Panasonic is still a flat compact
camera but comes with most manual adjustment
BASIC
facilities for more advanced use. It has a huge 12.2
2 Casio Exilim EX-Z1200 €341
megapixel resolution, the largest of the cameras on
This slim and stylish looking camera is Casio’s
test. It also has a 28mm wide-angle lens. No memory
flagship model. It would easily fit in a shirt
card was delivered with the camera, but there is an
pocket, making it perfect for carrying on
internal memory of 27 MB, which you can use to store
holiday with you. It has a large LCD screen
photos. It is compatible with SD memory card, SDHC
with optical image stabilisation, but no
memory card and MultiMediaCard. It has no viewfinder, viewfinder on the back for taking photos. It
so photos are composed and taken using the LCD
has 3x optical zoom, which is standard for
screen on the back of the camera, but it has an optical
this size of camera. It comes with a
image stabilising system, to give you clearer photos.
whopping 34 BESTSHOT exposure programs
Monitor distortions were very low and it has a very
as well as one user definable program to
good battery life.
replace actual manual. The internal memory
Resolution 12.2 megapixels Optical zoom 3.6x
is quite small at 11.4MB so you will need an
Size 9.5x6x3cm Weight 174g Colours Silver, black
additional memory card.
It also has 10 BESTSHOT
BASIC
predefined video modes. This
1 Canon Digital Ixus
camera is easy to use and
860 IS €400
offers good image quality.
Although not very
Resolution 12.1 megapixels
small compared to
Optical zoom 3x Size
the other cameras
9.5x6x2.5cm Weight 180g
on test it is still a
Colours Silver, black
flat and stylish
camera. It offers a
NON-BASIC
real ‘wide lens’
27 Nikon Coolpix P5100 €388
system. Unlike the
This is a small but compact camera. It is
Canon Digital Ixus 960 The Choice Buy Canon Digital Ixus 860
aimed at experienced users with higher
IS (26) it has no
demands. Independent selection of
has a large LCD screen.
viewfinder, but it has a
shutter and aperture is available as well
large LCD screen which is used to compose photos,
as priority modes, for the photographer who wants
and there is an optical image stabilising system. It has
more flexibility. The only missing feature is manual
w
focus. Image quality was just as good with both
manual and automatic settings. It has an additional
viewfinder, as well as a LCD monitor and offers a
physical image stabiliser, but, as with other cameras
with viewfinders, the accuracy and quality was bad. It
doesn’t come with a memory card but images can be
stored on the 52 MB internal memory, and there is a
card slot compatible with SD cards. It also has a hot
shoe connector to attach an external flash.
Resolution 12.1 megapixels Optical zoom 3.5x
Size 10.5x7x4cm Weight 250g Colours Black
BASIC
3 Fujifilm FinePix F50fd €400
The Fujifilm FinePix F50fd is a flat, small camera,
excellent for general use. It uses a LCD screen for
taking photos, but has an optical image stabiliser.
Although it doesn’t come with a memory card, photos
can be stored on the 25MB of internal memory and it is
compatible with xD and SD cards. It comes equipped
with a USB connector as with all the cameras on test,
but also has an infrared connection facility which
allows for wireless connection to some compatible
Fujifilm printers. Shutter and aperture settings are
manually selectable but only in priority modes and
there is a very low shutter delay. The quality of the
movie feature wasn’t very good especially through a TV.
Resolution 12 megapixels Optical zoom 3x
Size 9.5x6.5x2.5cm Weight 175g
Colours Black, silver
w
w
144
consumer choice APRIL 2008 PRODUCTS
The Choice Buy Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX33 was
one of the smallest and thinnest cameras on test.
BASIC
4 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX33 €380
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX33 was one of the
smallest and thinnest on test and would fit very neatly
inside a shirt pocket, perfect for taking on holiday or
on nights out. It also offers some basic manual
functions. It has a wide angle lens and optical image
stabilising. There is no viewfinder, which is
unsurprising on a camera so small, and it doesn’t
come with a memory card, although is compatible
with SD and SDHC cards, and has 27 MB internal
memory for storing images. It has a very high
continuous shooting speed and good battery life.
Resolution 8.1 megapixels Optical zoom 3.6x
Size 9.5x5.5x2.5cm Weight 151g Colours Black, silver
Other Features
Samsung i85 (19)
This small, flat camera can also be used as an audio
player for MP3 files and a video player. Travel guide
information for some places around the world can be
downloaded from the internet to internal memory and
displayed with text and pictures on the camera.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T200 (13) and Sony Cybershot DSC-T70 (11)
These Sony cameras have a touchscreen monitor for
using the menus. They also offer a component video
signal connection via optional cable which allows you
to watch video in HDTV 1080i mode with a
compatible monitor.
Samsung NV20 (14)
This camera doesn’t have a touchscreen, but has a
row of buttons below and to the right of the monitor
which provide menu operation. The function of each
of these buttons changes with the menu entry, the
active function is displayed above each button at the
monitor. This unusual menu concept may require
some practice to master.
freezeproof. They say you can take it mountain
biking, swimming or skiing.
Casio Exilim EX-S880 (5) and Casio Exilim
EX-Z77 (21)
Both of these Casio digital cameras offer YouTube™
Capture Mode, allowing you to shoot and save movies
at the optimum size, quality and settings for easier
upload to YouTube™ (www.youtube.ie).
Olympus 820 (6), Olympus 790 SW (12) and
Olympus 1200 (16)
These Olympus cameras have weatherproof
protection against rain. The 790 SW is also
Shockproof according to Olympus test conditions, and
Report by
Jenny Harrow cc
The Choice Buy Casio Exilim EX-Z1200 has optical image stabilisation.
w
w
The Choice Buy Panasonic Lumix
DMC-FX100 is a flat camera with
lots of advanced features.
A SD card ranges in price
from €40 for 256MB to
€90 for 2GB.
The Fujifilm FinePix Z10fd comes
in seven different colours.
PRODUCTS APRIL 2008 consumer
choice
145
PRODUCTS
Test
w
The Mamas & Papas 03
Sport Surefix was the best
all terrain buggy.
The car seat on the Choice
Buy Maclaren Techno XLR was
simple to attach and remove.
Useful contacts
Pushchairs
Mamas & Papas
1890 882 363
www.mamasandpapas.ie
Maclaren
tel 0044 132 784 1300
www.maclarenbaby.com
AT A GLANCE
Travel systems.
All terrain.
Three Choice Buys.
146
We bring you up to date on the latest trends in the pushchair market
and help you decide what is right for you and your baby.
Buying a new buggy, whether for a
newborn or an older child can be a
designer buggy to get a good one. All of
our Choice Buys are under €260. The
daunting process. Many new and
expectant parents can feel completely
overwhelmed by the deluge of glossy
brochures and colours, styles and
features. Consumers shopping for their
first buggy are often laden down with so
many leaflets and so much information
that it would make the most seasoned
shopper dizzy. Never fear, Consumer
Choice is here, as always, to make sense
more expensive models may come with
more accessories and more colour
options but the most important factor to
consider is that your baby is comfortable
and safe. In fact you can get a Choice
Buy pushchair for as little as €56, and
though it might be light on accessories
and extras, and may not look as swanky
as some of the other options, it passed
the CAI’s tests with flying colours.
of it all.
And the even better news is you don’t
need to spend a fortune on a fancy,
It just goes to show that the old adage
that you get what you pay for doesn’t in
this case hold true.
consumer choice
APRIL 2008 PRODUCTS
The low-down on accessories
There is a staggering array of accessories
available with various buggies. These
range from a shopping basket, which
appears on all of the buggies Consumer
Choice tested, to a clock and temperature
gauge, both on the iCandy Apple (11).
Some of the most common accessories
include extra pockets, a rain cover, hood
with or without a window in it, an apron,
foot muffs, removable covers, an
accessories bag, and wheel suspension.
The Maclaren Techno XT (4) comes
with reflective panels on the hood and
seams. The Britax Voyaga Ultra (8) has
choice buys
STROLLER
1 Mamas & Papas Mamu Mu1 €56
This is quite a basic and lightweight buggy. It
doesn't have any added accessories but this
fact is reflected in the price. It was quite easy
to fold and unfold and compact when folded. It
w
The Choice
Buy Mamas &
Papas Ziko
Alfie was easy
to assemble
and fold away.
is suitable from 6 months to 15kg. It performed
well on smooth pavement and tight spaces
because of the small wheels, but was a bit
shaky on uneven ground. The brakes were
effective, but the testers felt that the brake
pedal was a bit small. The overall impression
from the user trials was that it was basic but
good for what it was and the parents liked the
simple stroller. It proved un-problematic on the
child and adult cup holders. The Jane
Carrera Pro (14) comes with a newborn
head support. The Graco Trekko (18)
and the Maclaren Techno XLR (7) both
have machine washable seat covers. Phil
& Ted's Sport (19) has a sleeping bag
cover.
As you can see, some features are more
practical than others, so make your
decision based on how useful the
accessories are to you, rather than the
sheer number of them.
Ch ch ch changes...
Some of the buggies tested have been
bus and easily fitted into the parking space. It
was easy to balance on the escalator going
down, and going up both wheels rested on the
steps. This is a perfect lightweight buggy that
you could easily use for trips to the shops, or
that could be used as an additional buggy to be
kept in the car boot for
emergencies.
Accessories Storage
basket Back rest
positions Two 150°
recline No
STROLLER
2 Mamas & Papas Ziko
Alfie €225
This buggy was easy to
assemble and fold away,
and fit easily into the
boot of a Hyundai Accent,
leaving lots of room for
other items. It is suitable
from birth to 15kg, which
is about 3 years of age. It
was also solid and sturdy
on a range of surfaces
such as pavements and
uneven surfaces. It was
easy to get up and down
curbs, and down stairs,
but the brake scraped
slightly on the steps
when going up. Placing
the child in the buggy was easy, but the
harness goes behind the back, which may be
uncomfortable for the child. The buggy did well
in the public transport simulation, fitting easily
in the gangway, and turning well. It was easy to
use on escalators too, balanced well on the
rear wheels when going down and supported
on both wheels when going up so it was very
stable. The buggy was easy to clean. It is a
updated for 2008. In consultation with
the testing lab, Consumer Choice have
decided that these changes would not
change the score for the buggies, so we
have included the results for the 2007
models, and indicate here any changes
that have been made to the 2008
models.
Maclaren Techno XT (4)
Maclaren Techno XLR Travel System (7)
The 2008 models of both these buggies
include a new buckle that is harder for
the child to undo, new hubcaps and
new fabric colours to include silver grey,
The Choice Buy
Mamas & Papas
Mamu Mu1 is
quite a basic
and lightweight
buggy.
w
very stylish looking buggy.
Accessories Rain cover, hood with storage
pocket, footmuff, shopping basket Back rest
positions Four 150° recline Yes
TRAVEL SYSTEM
7 Maclaren Techno XLR €260
This travel system is sold either on its own or
with a Recaro Young Profit Plus car seat. It is
suitable from birth to 13kg. This buggy was
trouble-free to unfold and put the child into it.
The car seat was simple to attach and remove.
The brakes were effective and easy to apply. It
performed well on pavements, but slightly shaky
on uneven surfaces. It was easy to fold and fit
neatly into the boot of the Hyundai Accent, with
plenty of space left over. It is lightweight with the
car seat, compared with other travel systems.
User feedback was positive overall, with one
person saying that they 'liked everything about
it'. The buggy had no problems at all when it
came to dealing with public transport, even with
the car seat attached.
Accessories Rain cover, hood with window,
apron, shopping basket Back rest positions
Four 150° recline Yes
flame orange, scarlet, powder pink/sky
blue, black, damask and stripe for the
XT (4), and coffee brown or soft blue
for the XLR (7).
Britax Voyaga Ultra (8)
Britax have changed the car seat
attachment, improved the styling of
fabrics and changed the hood shape to
allow for better enclosure in rearward
facing mode.
Bugaboo Cameleon (10)
Bugaboo have replaced the air filled
tyres with new foam filled tyres and a
PRODUCTS APRIL 2008
consumer choice
Report by
Jenny Harrow cc
147
THE LENGTHS WE GO TO…
The parents then road test the buggies,
taking them around a task-based obstacle
course. Also included is a public transport
test. A simulation of a bus and escalators
was set up in the lab to see how the
buggies would fare in these situations.
On the bus the testers rate how easy it is
to get the buggy onto the bus, how it fits
in the gangway, how easy it is to turn
Each buggy is rigorously tested both at
the lab and by a panel of parents. With not
one but two sets of experts getting to
grips with these buggies, you know they
have been meticulously tested.
All buggies are thoroughly tested in the
lab for performance, how easy they are to
use, transport and store. They are also
tested against safety regulations.
and park the buggy. For the escalator test
the buggy was taken up and down the
stairs to assess how it coped with this
situation. This showed how easily it
balanced both going up and down, and
how secure it was.
All of Consumer Choice's test ratings
are a combination of lab expert and
parental assessment.
Also worth considering
Although not quite good enough to be a
Choice Buy if you are looking for an all
terrain buggy, this one scored best in the
CAI tests.
foot muff and a hood with a window in it. It
had integrated car seat adapters for the
Primo Viaggio car seat, which is sold
separately. The car seat was easy to attach
and remove. Although it was easy to place
the child in the buggy, one of the experts
found the straps a bit difficult to adjust. The
breaks were easy to use. It performed well
on all surfaces and up and down stairs.
Mamas & Papas 03 Sport Surefix (16)
This all terrain buggy is suitable from birth to
15kg, which is about three years old. It
comes with a shopping basket, rain cover,
MODEL
Folding the buggy was straightforward and
light to carry, but it is quite bulky when
folded. It fit in the boot of the Hyundai
Accent, but with no room to spare for other
items. By and large, this buggy was let down
by its size. While it fitted into the gangway of
the bus it had problems manoeuvring around
the corners. It was however easy enough to
balance on the escalator.
SPECIFICATION
TEST PERFORMANCE
Price (€)
weight
(kg)
folded
size (cm)
from
birth
one handed
folding
removable
seat covers
car seat
compatible
travel
system
STROLLER
1
Mamas & Papas Mamu Mu1
56
5.8
18x28x98
✓
2
Mamas & Papas Ziko Alfie
225
8.2
49x27x103
✓✓
3
Graco Mojo
129
7.8
26x36x108
✓✓
4
Maclaren Techno XT
250
7.6
33x33x108
✓✓
5
Mamas & Papas Mamu Mu2
105
7.4
37x30x105
✓✓
6
Chicco Simplicity
150
9.6
43x50x95
✓✓
7
Maclaren Techno XLR Travel System 260
8.2
35x33x112
✓✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
8
Britax Voyaga Ultra
359
13.2
42x60x92
✓✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
9
Dorel Bebe Comfort Loola
349
13.8
35x42x104
✓✓
✓
✓
10
Bugaboo Cameleon
889
9.4
31x59x90
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
CAR SEAT COMPATIBLE
11
icandy Apple
564
9.8
32x60x89
✓
✓
✓
12
Britax Verve
225
7.3
39x45x69
✓
✓
✓
13
Mamas & Papas Pliko Mod +
385
9.8
44x35x102
✓✓
✓
✓
14
Jane carrera Pro
349
11.6
48x42x102
✓✓
✓
✓
15
Stokke Xplory
979
12
57x45x108
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
a
✓
✓
ALL TERRAIN
16
Mamas & Papas 03 Sport Surefix
290
12.6
41x59x122
✓✓
17
Mamas & Papas Mamu Mu3
160
9.4
43x63x87
✓✓
18
Graco Trekko
329
13.2
60x66x95
✓✓
19
Out n about Phil n Ted’s Sport
499
12.2
33x61x96
✓✓
a Chassis only
148
consumer choice
APRIL 2008 PRODUCTS
✓
✓
✓
new folding mechanism. The
handlebars have been changed to
include an adjustable system with
clips and new release buttons. New
fabric sets are also available in fleece
colours or new canvas colours.
Britax Verve (12)
The Verve has been updated and
launched as the Verve+ with a hood
height that allows for a larger child to
be accommodated. Britax have also
updated the fabrics and improved
durability with quality and
engineering enhancements. The Verve
had good results in our durability
tests.
USING THE TABLE
Folding: How easy it is to unfold and
The more stars the better. The Choice
fold away.
Buy models are indicated by a
Storage: The size of the storage
different colour.
space in the buggy and how easy it
is to access.
SPECIFICATION:
Reclining: How easy it is to adjust
Price: Typical retailer’s price if you
the recline of the buggy.
shop around.
Use on public transport: How easy
Weight: Without accessories.
it is to use the buggy on busses and
From birth: Buggies marked ✓✓
on escalators.
recline more than 150°, those with
Off-road: Only all terrain buggies
✓ recline more than 120°. A recline
were tested. How well they coped
of 150° is best for newborns.
with off-road surfaces.
Travel system: These buggies
include a car seat in the price.
TEST PERFORMANCE:
Ignores price and is based on:
Manoeuvring: How easy it is to
Manoeuvring
30%
Day-to-day use
20%
Folding
15%
Comfort to push
10%
Storage
10%
Strollers
manoeuvre the buggy on different
Stroller, buggy, pushchair… All
basically the same thing, just the name
changes depending on what part of the
world you’re in. They tend to be more
surfaces, including pavements,
light weight and more compact than
travel systems or all terrain buggies.
Great for strolling you might say. Every
SCORE
kerbs, uneven surfaces and stairs.
Day-to-day use: This is a general
rating of how easy the buggy is to
use, clean, using the brakes and
restraints, placing the child in the
Reclining
10%
Public transport
5%
buggy and storing it in the car.
SCORE %
manoeuvring
(30%)
day-to-day
use (20%)
folding
(15%)
comfort
to push (10%)
storage
(10%)
reclining
(10%)
use on public
transport (5%)
car seat
attachment
offroad
wwww
wwwww
wwwww
wwww
www
wwww
wwwww
n/a
n/a
76
wwwww
wwww
wwww
wwww
www
wwwww
wwwww
n/a
n/a
76
wwwww
wwww
wwwww
wwww
www
wwww
wwwww
n/a
n/a
74
wwwww
wwww
wwwww
wwww
www
wwww
wwww
n/a
n/a
74
wwww
wwwww
wwwww
wwww
www
wwww
wwww
n/a
n/a
72
www
wwww
wwww
www
wwwww
wwwww
ww
n/a
n/a
63
wwwww
wwww
wwwww
wwww
wwww
www
wwww
wwww
n/a
77
wwww
wwww
wwww
wwww
wwwww
wwwww
www
wwwww
n/a
73
wwww
wwww
wwww
wwww
ww
wwwww
www
wwwww
n/a
69
wwww
wwww
ww
wwww
wwwww
wwww
wwww
wwwww
n/a
69
wwww
wwww
wwww
wwww
wwwww
wwww
wwww
wwwww
n/a
69
wwww
wwww
wwww
wwww
www
wwww
wwwww
wwwww
n/a
67
wwww
wwww
wwww
www
www
wwwww
www
wwwww
n/a
66
wwww
www
wwww
wwww
www
www
wwww
w
n/a
59
wwww
wwww
ww
wwwww
www
wwww
www
wwwww
n/a
59
wwwww
wwww
wwww
wwww
wwww
www
wwww
wwww
wwwww
72
wwww
wwww
wwww
wwww
wwww
wwww
wwww
n/a
wwww
71
wwwww
www
wwww
wwwww
wwwww
www
ww
wwwww
wwwww
69
wwww
wwww
www
wwww
wwww
www
wwww
not tested
wwwww
65
PRODUCTS APRIL 2008
consumer choice
149
parent will need some form of stroller or
buggy to easily transport their little
bundle of joy.
The options can range from the most
basic buggy to more robust types with
plenty of extra features. It’s important
before you go to buy a buggy to identify
your needs, which will help whittle the
selection down. Do you have a newborn,
in which case you will need a buggy with
a large recline, or do you have an older
child? Different buggies are more
suitable to different stages of
development. Do you need something
you can just throw in the boot of your
car for occasional use? In which case
look for something that’s compact when
folded. Or do you use mainly public
transport? If you do, look for something
that is lightweight and easy to
manoeuvre. Check our table for more
advice on which Choice Buy buggies
match these features.
Buggies and strollers now come in a
dazzling array colours. As new mums
and dads are becoming more and more
fashion conscious, manufacturers are
offering buggies in more colours and
styles than you could ever possibly want.
A word of caution though, don’t be
swayed too much by looks, babies don’t
care what they look like, as long as they
are safe and comfortable.
All terrain
An all terrain, or off-road buggy, is
designed to be suitable in more rugged
areas than the standard buggy. They are
designed for parents who like going for
walks, up mountains, in the woods or on
150
consumer choice
APRIL 2008 PRODUCTS
the beach, environments where it would
be difficult to bring a regular buggy. They
are all terrain, designed, unsurprisingly,
for all terrains, rural or urban.
Each of the all terrain buggies Consumer
Choice tested have three wheels rather than
the usual four, with two at the back and
one at the front, giving better balance on
rough ground. They also have a swivel
wheel at the front. This makes navigation
easier on uneven surfaces. They all came
with pneumatic tyres similar to mountain
bike tyres, which can puncture, so make
sure to bring a puncture repair kit with you.
There could be nothing worse than getting
stranded on hill, however pretty the view,
with a burst tyre and no way of fixing it.
All terrain buggies do however tend to be
a bit more expensive. The four tested range
from €160 to €499. And they also tend to
be a bit bulkier, so check before you buy
that it will fit into the boot of your car.
“It’s important
before you go to
buy a buggy to
identify your
needs, which
will help whittle the
selection down.”
Travel systems
The latest trend in the world of buggies is
the proliferation of the travel system. In
the strictest sense (and the criteria
Consumer Choice uses for our table) a travel
system is a buggy that comes with a car
seat included, often offering good value
for money. But there are many other
buggies that are car seat or carry cot
compatible, where the car seat or carry cot
is sold separately, sometimes from a
different manufacturer. The car seat can
then be attached to the buggy frame,
allowing you to easily take your baby from
car to buggy. Where a car seat attachment
is available on the buggy, Consumer Choice
have rated how easy it is to use (see table).
While a travel system may seem more
expensive (the four tested ranged from
€260 to €385) remember that you don’t
initially need to buy a separate car seat.
You may however need to buy a new car
seat when the baby reaches 10kgs, on
average this is about nine to twelve
months.
The benefits include being able to
move a sleeping baby from car to buggy
without waking them. This is a distinct
advantage; nobody would want to
disturb a sleeping baby. It also means
that the baby will be facing you in the
buggy while using the car seat
attachment, giving peace of mind to
parents with young children.
You should however make sure that
the car seat is suitable for your car and
suitable and safe for your baby;
otherwise you might be better off buying
a separate car seat and buggy. It’s also
important that the baby isn’t left in the
car seat for too long, as babies need to
be able to lie flat and move easily to
help development.
w
PRODUCTS
Test
The Choice Buy Electrolux
EWN14991W/S is available
in white or silver.
w
w
The Choice Buy
Whirlpool AWO/D
5516 has a delay
start feature
allows you to
delay your wash
by up to 23 hours.
The Choice Buy Electrolux
EWN13570W/S gave good
rinsing results.
w
The Choice Buy
Siemens WM12E44S
produced fantastic
results at low
temperatures.
Washing Machines
With results just in from the labs, Consumer Choice brings you the latest washing machines on test.
This time Consumer Choice has tested
23 machines in total, bringing you
our widest range to date. We've also
included, for the first time, some
compact models for those of you
that need a space saving option (see
Also worth considering). This bounty
crop of machines reveals six Choice
Buys, with a range of features and
price points.
The big disappointment, however,
from these tests were the rinsing
results. Nearly every machine in the
test was let down by poor rinsing.
Even most of the Choice Buy
machines gave relatively poor
rinsing results. Good rinsing is
especially important if you have
sensitive skin, or have a particular
sensitivity to laundry detergent. And
poor rinsing means that there is
more detergent left on the clothes at
the end of the cycle. Some machines
do, however, offer an extra rinse
cycle, either added to your chosen
program or as a separate rinse only
option. With only one or two
exceptions, all the machines we
tested included these features.
Switching to 30°
So we've all seen the ads on TV,
trying to persuade us to switch to a
lower temperature wash to save not
only the environment but lots of
money too. Sustainable Energy
Ireland (SEI) advise us to use the
lowest water temperature required
for the items being washed in order
to save electricity. While not all
clothes can be washed at 30°, should
we be washing the ones that can at
this lower temperature? And are you
actually saving energy and water, and
more importantly money? Consumer
Choice compared the 30° and the
40° wash settings on most of the
washing machines tested to find out.
The comparison table shows that,
of the 20 machines where both
temperature settings were tested,
though a few of the machines had
longer 30° washing cycles, on
average you would be saving yourself
14 minutes by switching to the lower
temperature.
This translates into energy savings.
Switching from 40° to 30° gives you
an average saving of 77c per wash,
based on a 6kg wash. If you do 5
washes a week that's a potential
saving of €200 a year. That's quite a
considerable reduction on your
electricity bill.
As for water savings, the machines
we tested varied too greatly in whether
they used more or less water per wash.
There was no clear pattern from the
machines tested.
So it turns out that the
advertising might just be right in
this case. You can save money and
help the environment by switching
from 40° to 30°.
Useful contacts
Electrolux Group
Electrolux
Zanussi-Electrolux
tel (01) 456 5222
www.electrolux.ie
Siemens Ireland
tel (01) 216 2402
30° detergent
www.siemens.ie
But what about the quality of the
wash? Surely if you're switching to a
lower temperature, the washing
results will suffer. The last test of
washing machines (see Consumer
Choice, August 2007, p308) showed
that cleaning ability of most
machines at 30° was slightly worse
than at 40° because the detergent
had to work harder. As a way to
encourage people to wash at a lower
temperature, some manufacturers
have introduced products aimed at
improving washing results at the
lower temperature, 30° washes.
Again Consumer Choice tested these
claims. We compared the 40° wash
using a standard detergent with the
30° wash using a commercial 30°
detergent. It is difficult to make a
PRODUCTS APRIL 2008
consumer choice
Whirlpool Ireland
tel (01) 623 1013
www.whirlpool.ie
Sustainable Energy
Ireland
tel (01) 836 9080
www.sei.ie
AT A GLANCE
Switching to 30°.
Six Choice Buys.
151
direct comparison because we are
comparing different machines and
sample sizes. However, the
comparison table shows us that the
majority of machines showed an
improvement in washing performance
at 30°, and with only two exceptions,
the remainder don't show any
difference between temperature
settings when using a 30° detergent.
Despite the differences in
washing machines and sample sizes,
the results indicate that using a 30°
detergent at 30° improves washing
results when compared to a
standard detergent used at 40° on
most washing machines. Getting
cleaner clothes and saving the
planet? Well that's my good deed
for the day.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Capacity: The capacity of the
machine tells you, in kilograms, how
much washing will fill a full load.
There's quite a choice, from a large
MODEL
8kg drum, perfect for big families, to
a smaller slim line 3kg drum, which
would fit well into an apartment, or
a smaller kitchen. However the
standard 6kg drum should be
sufficient for most homes.
Spin Speed: The spin speed gives the
amount of revolutions per minute
(rpm) of the drum on the spin cycle.
The higher the spin, the less water
left in your clothes at the end of the
cycle. This saves time on the washing
line and money if you use a tumble
dryer. Most machines come with a
variable spin speed, allowing you to
choose a lower setting for more
delicate clothes.
Child locks: Child locks can stop
your children opening the washing
machine door and potentially
injuring themselves. All of our
Choice Buys, except the Siemens
WM12E44S (5), have this feature
included.
Electronic displays: Some machines
are now equipped with an electronic
or an LCD display screen, which
gives you information such as the
program you selected, what stage the
washing program is at, and how
much time is left in the cycle.
Energy labels: The energy label on a
washing machine, and indeed all
appliances, indicates the energy
efficiency of the machine. Appliances
are rated from A to G, with A being
the most energy efficient. More
efficient models will save you money
on your electricity bill and by using
less electricity will be kinder to the
environment. The energy labels for
washing machines consist of three
letters. The first gives you the overall
energy efficiency of the model. The
second refers to the washing
performance, indicating the
cleanliness of the wash based on a
60° cotton wash. The third shows the
spin drying efficiency.
SPECIFICATION
PRICE (€)
capacity
(kg)
size (cm)
wxhxd
top spin
speed (rpm)
energy label
cotton 40°
(23%)
easycare
(15%)
FREESTANDING
1
Zanussi-Electrolux ZWF14581W/S a
450
7
60x84x67
1400
AAB
wwwww
wwwww
2
Electrolux EWN14991W/S
595/650
8
60x84x68
1400
AAA
wwww
wwww
3
Electrolux EWN13570W/S
459
6
59x84x70
1300
AAB
wwww
wwww
4
Whirlpool AWO/D 5516
440
6
59x84x58
1200
AAB
wwww
wwwww
5
Siemens WM12E44S
1009
6
60x85x59
1200
AAB
wwww
www
6
Zanussi-Electrolux ZWF12070 W/S
350
6
59x84x62
1200
AAB
www
wwww
7
Bosch WAS32466 b
870
8
60x84x64
1600
AAA
www
www
8
Bosch WAS24466 b
709
8
60x84x63
1200
AAB
www
www
9
Hotpoint AQGD169S
580
8
59x84x65
1600
AAA
wwww
www
400
7
60x84x64
1200
AAB
www
wwww
10 Beko WMA727W
11 Baumatic BFWE1470W
789
7
59x84x59
1400
AAA
www
wwww
12 Hotpoint AQXXL129
495
7.5
60x84x66
1200
AAB
www
www
13 Candy CM 1146
369
6
59x84x58
1400
AAA
www
www
14 Candy GO 1282
400
8
59x84x57
1200
AAB
wwww
wwww
15 Hotpoint WF321
395
6
59x84x58
1200
AAB
www
www
16 Hoover HNL71463D
390
6
59x84x56
1400
AAA
www
www
17 LG WM12336FD K
704
7.5
59x85x64
1200
AAB
ww
www
18 Maytag MAF9501AES/W
1184
6
59x85x61
1400
AAB
ww
wwwww
19 Hoover VHD8122
440
8
59x83x58
1200
AAB
wwww
ww
20 Indesit SIXL145
395
6
59x84x56
1400
AAB
ww
www
21 Baumatic BTWM5 c
709
6
59x81x54
1100
AAC
ww
www
Bosch WLX 24162 d
609
4.5
60x85x44
1200
AAB
wwww
www
500
3
50x67x55
1300
ABB
www
wwww
BUILT IN/COMPACT
22
Report by
Jenny Harrow cc
152
23 Zanussi-Electrolux ZWC1300W d
a With JETWASH. b With WASH PLUS. c Built in model. d Compact model.
consumer choice
APRIL 2008 PRODUCTS
ALSO WORTH CONSIDERING
Stuck for space?
If you've just bought one of the many
apartments that have been popping up all
over Ireland, or just want to save yourself
some space then consider the Bosch WLX
24162 (22). This Bosch came top of the
compact models, although didn't score quite
well enough to be a Choice Buy. It may be
compact but still has an impressive 4.5kg
drum. Cleaning results were good across all
washes, particularly at 30°. And although
washing results were less impressive for the
easycare program, it took only 49 minutes.
One problem though, it's quite noisy.
For people with disabilities:
Wheelchair users should consider the
Zanussi-Electrolux ZWF14581W/S (1).
The door opens wide, allowing you to get
closer to the machine. All controls and
settings were easy to see and access from
a sitting position and indicator lights
could also be clearly seen when seated.
People with reduced mobility should
take a look at the Bosch WAS32466 (7).
The door can be opened with one hand
and little force is needed to open and
close it. The detergent dispenser tray is
also easy to open and remove, although
it is tricky to clean if you have reduced
mobility. Indicator lights are clearly
visible from a standing position,
meaning you don't need to bend down
to see them.
For people with manual dexterity
problems the Bosch WAS32466 (7) also
came out on top in the CAI tests. Little force
was needed to open the door and controls
were easy to get a grip of and push, with
only a small amount of power required to
operate the electronic program selector.
The visually impaired should consider
the Bosch WAS24466 (8). While this
Bosch came just top of the scores, all three
Bosch washing machines scored highly in
this test. The dispenser is easy to fill with
good wide openings to all compartments.
The indicator lights are large and bright,
with the label close by, and there is a good
contrast between labelling and the
background, making it easier to see.
USING THE TABLE
The more stars the better.
SPECIFICATION
Price: Typical retailer’s price if
you shop around.
Capacity: The maximum load of
washing you can fit in the
machine.
Size: Hoses and any other
external equipment are
included.
Spin speed: Some machines
have adjustable spin speeds, so
we give the highest here.
Energy label: Based on a 60°
wash, these are the
manufacturer's energy
efficiency ratings for energy
efficiency, washing performance
and spin drying. 'A' is the most
energy efficient.
TEST PERFORMANCE
Running cost: How expensive it
is to run the machine.
Cotton 40°: Standard 40° cotton
wash using a standard detergent.
Easycare: Standard program for
synthetics and mixed loads using
a standard detergent.
Cotton 30°: 30° cotton wash
using a commercial 30°
detergent.
Rinse: How much detergent is
left on the clothes at the end of
the cycle.
Spin drying: How much water is
left in the clothes at the end of
the cycle.
Convenience: How easy the
machine is to load and unload, to
use the detergent dispenser and
how clear the user instructions
are.
Noise: How noisy the machine is.
WHICH? TEST PERFORMANCE
SCORE %
cotton 30°
cotton 40°
(h:m) (3.5%)
easycare
(h:m) (2.5%)
rinse
(11%)
spin drying
(10%)
energy
consumption
(10%)
water
consumption(
10%)
convenience
(10%)
noise (5%)
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PRODUCTS APRIL 2008
consumer choice
153
choice buys
w
The Choice Buy
Zanussi-Electrolux
ZWF14581W/S gave
superb cleaning
results in all
categories.
1 ZanussiElectrolux
ZWF14581W/S
€450
The Choice Buy
ZanussiElectrolux
ZWF14581
comes in white
with quite a
reasonable price
tag. It gave
superb cleaning
results in all
categories with
both the default settings and Zanussi's
Jetsystem + wash in the CAI tests. So you
know whatever wash settings you choose
your clothes are going to come out clean. It
was also one of the quietest machines on
test. It features a unique night wash
program, which holds the spin cycles until
morning making it even quieter while still
allowing you to take advantage of cheaper
electricity during the night. It has an LCD
screen which allows you to clearly see what
stage in the cycle your machine is at. This
otherwise fantastic machine is let down
slightly by its rinsing so if you have a
sensitivity to detergent consider using an
extra spin cycle.
Capacity 7kg Spin speed 1400rmp Energy
label AAB 40° Cotton 2hr 03min Easycare
1hr 21min Colours White
Delay start Yes 20hrs
2 Electrolux EWN14991W/S €595
This machine is available in white (W) at the
above price and also in silver (S) for the
slightly more expensive 650. It also has the
largest drum of the Choice Buys, at 8kg,
making it a good choice for large families.
While the 40° and easycare washes
produced excellent results this machine
really shone on the 30° program, allowing
you to save electricity and money. Spin
drying was also impressive, meaning a
shorter drying time once the clothes are out
of the machine. This Electrolux is also
equipped with a Time Manager facility
allowing you to adapt the length of the
washing cycle to the time you have
available. It also has a handy LCD display.
Capacity 8kg Spin speed 1400rpm
Energy label AAA 40° Cotton 2hr 18min
Easycare 1hr 20min Colours White, silver
Delay start Yes 20hrs
3 Electrolux EWN13570W/S €459
The Choice Buy Electrolux EWN13570WS
gives excellent cleaning results on the 40°
and easycare washes, but is let down
slightly by the 30° cycle. It does however
give good rinsing results, important for
removing as much detergent from your
clothes as possible. The machine also
features a drum which is tilted slightly
backwards, allowing for easier loading and
unloading, and is one of the quieter
machines we tested. It has an LCD screen to
keep you up-to-date on the wash progress.
As with the other Choice Buy Electrolux (2),
this machine features Time Manager,
allowing you to choose the length of time for
the wash.
Capacity 6kg
Spin speed 1300rpm
Energy label AAB
40° Cotton 1hr 58min
Easycare 1hr 21min
Colours White
Delay start Yes 20hrs
5 Siemens WM12E44S €1009
This Siemens is the most expensive of our
Choice Buy washing machines, costing
nearly twice as much as most of the other
Choice Buys. It produced fantastic results at
low temperatures which is great if you want
to switch to 30° without compromising
cleaning efficiency. If you're in a hurry, the
easycare cycle takes just 55 minutes,
although cleaning results aren't quite as
impressive for this cycle. It comes in a
stainless steel finish and is very stylish
looking, much more elegant than some of
its white counterparts. It has an LCD screen
that allows you to keep an eye on wash
progress. Despite the price this machine
might be for those of you who don't want to
compromise on cleaning performance to get
a great looking machine.
Capacity 6kg Spin speed 1200rpm Energy
label AAB 40° Cotton 2hr 13min Easycare
55min Colours Silver Delay start Yes 19hrs
6 ZanussiElectrolux
ZWF12070W/S
€350
This is the
cheapest of our
Choice Buys, yet
still gives great
4 Whirlpool AWO/D 5516
cleaning results, so
€440
it's perfect if you're
This Choice Buy Whirlpool
on a budget. It
gave excellent cleaning
even gives
results on the easycare
adequate rinsing,
cycle. The 40° cycle also
removing more
The Choice Buy Zanussi-Electrolux
produced good results. The
detergent from the
ZWF12070W/S has an easycare cycle clothes than other
delay start feature allows
that takes just over an hour.
you to delay your wash by
machines, which is
up to 23 hours, the longest of all our Choice
important for people with sensitive skin. It’s
Buys. This allows you to take advantage of
quick, with the easycare cycle taking just over
cheaper electricity during the night. The LCD
an hour. As with our other Zanussi-Electrolux
display tells you how long is left before the
(1) Choice Buy, it has a night wash program
wash is ready. It has a 30 minute quick wash
which allows you to wait until the morning to
program, among others, allowing you to
enter the noisier spin cycle. This is a great
quickly wash lightly soiled items. It was also
feature if you live in an apartment, as it won't
quiet on both the wash and spin cycles.
disturb yours or anyone elses sleep.
Capacity 6kg Spin speed 1200rpm
Capacity 6kg Spin speed 1200rpm
Energy label AAB 40° Cotton 1hr 59min
Energy label AAB 40° Cotton 1hr 22min
Easycare 1hr 25min Colours White
Easycare 1hr 04min Colours White, silver
Delay start Yes 23hrs
Delay start Yes 9hrs
w
THE LENGTHS WE GO TO…
Since we last brought you a report on washing machines (see Consumer Choice, August 2007, p308) we have changed the types of soilings, or stains, used in the
CAI tests. Consumer Choice is now using, among others, blood, milk, ink and olive oil. These soilings are added to specially prepared cloth which is put into the
wash with shirts, towels, pillowcases and other items.
To measure how much of these soilings have been removed, after three wash cycles a spectrophotometer is used to see how much light now penetrates the
soils and therefore how much of the soil has been removed.
154
consumer choice
APRIL 2008 PRODUCTS
FOOD
Monosodium Glutamate
Should consumers be more concerned about some food additives than others? We take a look at one
controversial additive, the flavour enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG).
MSG is not the only flavour enhancer,
but it ranks high in usage. Food
additives in the Irish food supply were
monitored from 1995-1999 and MSG
was found to be the most commonly
used flavour enhancer.
MSG can be added to savoury
processed foods, such as powdered
sauces and soups and snack foods like
crisps. It has been traditionally used
in eastern cuisine such as Thai,
Japanese and Chinese food. MSG can
also be seen on food labels as the E
number, E621.
Glutamate
Glutamate or glutamic acid is a nonessential amino acid. It is one of
twenty amino acids that make up
protein and is found in many foods,
such as meat, fish, dairy products and
some vegetables. Glutamate is
combined with sodium to form the
crystalline powder, MSG.
There are two forms of glutamate,
free and bound. Bound glutamate is
attached to other amino acids. It is the
free form that is used in MSG. When
glutamate occurs naturally in food there
is usually much more bound than free
glutamate in the food. There are some
exceptions as glutamate can also be
converted to the free form. Fermented
foods, such as soy sauce and yeast
extract, and mature cheeses, such as
parmesan contain higher levels of free
glutamate than other foods.
MSG enhances the taste of foods as
free glutamate acts on glutamate
receptors in the tongue. The tongue has
four flavour receptors: sweet, sour, salt
and bitter. MSG was first isolated as a
food additive in Japan, and its
characteristic savoury or meaty taste was
named ‘unami’, where it is considered
the fifth taste.
MSG politics
There are opposing opinions on adverse
reactions to MSG. Some people may be
sensitive to MSG and claim to have
experienced symptoms such as
headache, nausea, chest tightness and
heart palpitations. This has been
dubbed the ‘Chinese Restaurant
Syndrome’. It has also been suggested
that the evidence is anecdotal and that
there is no reliable scientific evidence
that links these symptoms with MSG
consumption. Those who do not see
MSG as safe have suggested that
research into MSG, and its ill-effects,
have links with the food industry and
their results are selective.
Safety
In the average daily diet, MSG
contributes to a small amount of the
total quantity of glutamate consumed.
So, if this substance is already
something we regularly consume, is
there a real cause for concern? Free
glutamate, which is found in MSG, is
absorbed more quickly in the body
than bound glutamate. This is where
concern lies, as glutamate is a
neurotransmitter, a chemical that allows
messages to pass between a nerve cell
and other cells. It is also classed as an
excitotoxin, which can over-activate
neurons and cause damage.
In 2007, in the European Journal of
Clinical Nutrition, the issue was raised
that there is a lack of consensus
surrounding safe levels of MSG. But EU
safety reviews of MSG have deemed this
additive safe, at the levels it is currently
used in foods (see also ‘Food additives’,
Consumer Choice, November 2007, p416).
The European Communities Scientific
Committee for Foods produced a report
in 1991 that reaffirmed MSG’s safety and
classified its acceptable daily intake as
‘not specified’, the most favourable
designation for a food ingredient.
Useful contacts
Food Safety Authority
of Ireland
Abbey Court
Lower Abbey Street
Dublin 1
Advice Line 1890 336
677
tel (01) 817 1300
fax (01) 817 1301
email info@fsai.ie
www.fsai.ie
Irish Nutrition and
Dietetic Association
Ashgrove House
Kill Avenue
Dun Laoghaire
Co. Dublin
email info@indi.ie
www.indi.ie
Useful website
Report by Aisling Murtagh cc
Food-Info
choice comment
www.food-info.net
Although this additive is deemed safe by the EFSA at the levels it is currently used in foods,
some consumers may still have an intolerance of this additive, so some caution is advised. If
consumers are concerned about their salt intake, look out for MSG in foods as it contains one
third of the sodium of table salt. One use for MSG is to enhance the flavour of processed foods,
which are often not the best source of nutrition. Our taste buds can be fooled into thinking the
flavour enhanced food is a great tasting food, when without the MSG consumers might not
choose the processed, flavour enhanced food.
FOOD APRIL 2008 consumer
choice
AT A GLANCE
E621.
Snack foods.
Glutamate.
155
r
e
m
u
s
Counrrents
c
The demise of HD-DVD
Toshiba recently announced that it would
discontinue its HD-DVD players and recorders
from March 2008, ceding the high definition
market to the Blu-ray format promoted by
Sony, Philips, Samsung and others. The
company claimed that a swift decision to
discontinue was the best way for the market to
develop, but it has promised to continue to
provide full product support and after-sales
service for consumers who have already
bought HD-DVD products.
The HD-DVD format was developed in 2002,
and quickly became a major contender for the
position of successor to DVD in the highdefinition market. Its big advantage was that
the discs were considerably sturdier than their
Blu-ray rivals. Competition heated up, with
many of the major US movie studios aligning
exclusively with one format or the other for
high definition sales. Eventually, Sony’s
incorporation of Blu-ray technology into its
Playstation 3 proved a decisive tactic,
pushing software sales three to one in
favour of Blu-ray.
While several unsuccessful attempts had
been made to resolve the format war, from
dual-format players to proposals for a ‘Total
HD’ disc that could be played by any machine,
the final straw came in January 2008 when
Warner Studios elected to work exclusively
with Blu-ray. The announcement was quickly
followed by news that UK retailers Woolworths,
and US giants Best Buy, Netflix and Wal-Mart
would no longer stock HD-DVD. Toshiba
admitted defeat, but will continue to market
conventional DVD players and recorders.
Organic outrage
Ireland recently saw its first prosecution for false labelling of
organic food, brought by the Department of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food under the European Communities
(Organic Farming) Regulations 2004 against a Cork trader
who mislabelled non-organic turkey as organic in the run-up
to Christmas. Marc O'Mahony, who traded as The Organic
Shop in the city’s well-known English Market at the time of
the offence, pleaded guilty in Cork District Court and was
fined €2,500.
The Department of Agriculture has announced that its
officials are now regularly inspecting farmers' markets and
shops that stock organic food. This is good news for
consumers, who have long been concerned at a seeming lack
of enforcement in the sector. While increasing numbers of
Irish consumers are happy to pay more for organic produce,
they must rely on the integrity of the trader to guarantee that
what they are paying extra for is really what they are getting.
Trevor Sargent, the Minister of State for Food and
Horticulture, has urged members of the public to report
suspicious incidents to the Organic Unit, which can be
contacted by phone on lo-call 1890 200 509, or by email at
organics@agriculture.gov.ie. For further details, look out for
our report on organic food in an upcoming issue.
iPhone arrives
The iPhone has finally arrived in Ireland, but it
will only be available to interested consumers
through one network – O2.
The technological advances of the iPhone
have been much admired; it provides a neat
combination of a mobile phone, a widescreen
iPod and a mobile Internet device, all
controlled by an easy-to-use touch-screen,
and compatible with either Mac or PC.
However, it seems unlikely that the costs
involved will meet a similar reaction. Not only
are the handsets themselves extremely
expensive (starting at €399 for the 8GB
model and €499 for the 16GB alternative) but
they are only available on one of three
monthly tariffs, starting from €45.
O2 is also the only provider for iPhone in
the UK, but a quick comparison of the tariff
Currents by
Margaret Brady cc
156
consumer choice
APRIL 2008 CURRENTS
plans show that UK customers are getting a
far better deal. An Irish customer on the €45
euro per month tariff gets 175 anytime talk
minutes, 100 free texts and 1GB data use.
There is no visual voicemail. An equivalent UK
customer paying £35 (€45.57) gets 600 talk
minutes, 500 free texts, unlimited data use
and visual voicemail. An Irish consumer on the
€100 monthly tariff gets 700 talk minutes,
250 free texts and 1GB data use. His UK
equivalent, paying £75 (€97.65) per month,
gets 3000 talk minutes, 500 free texts,
unlimited data, and visual voicemail.
O2 says the iPhone plans are comparable
to its other price plans, and that the UK
market is very different to Ireland’s. That may
be so, but we’re really not sure that it justifies
such a huge difference in value for money.
Nanocosmetics
We all know that make-up
involves a ‘science bit’, but what
happens when the safety of the
science bit comes into question?
The use of nanotechnology –
manipulating substances at the
molecular level - in cosmetics has
been around since the
introduction of moisturisers with
liposome technology more than
40 years ago. Of course, things
have become a lot more hightech since then, and just one
modern example is the use of
synthetic nanocarriers to help
Vitamin E, a protective antioxidant, absorb more deeply into
the hair and skin than would be
otherwise possible. It sounds like
a great idea – but the EU has
highlighted that stricter health
risk assessment may be needed.
To explain: there are two types
of nanoparticle. Labile
nanoparticles disintegrate when
applied to the skin in their
molecular components, and for
these, conventional risk
assessment is thought to be
sufficient. However, insoluble
nanoparticles give cause for
concern, as they are taken into
the body and do not break
down, leading to the risk of
possible accumulation in the
organs, or of transmission to a
foetus via the placenta. The
implications of such risks are
unknown, leading the European
Commission's Scientific
Committee on Consumer
Products (SCCP) to call for
stricter risk assessment in the
area.
While nanotechnologies hold
great possibilities for consumers,
and not only in the area of
cosmetics, safety is crucial, and
the SCCP’s caution in urging
more detailed risk assessment
despite industry lobbying must
be seen as commendable.
Copyright copycat
In a move that has been warmly welcomed by the music industry,
EU internal markets commissioner Charlie McCreevy has
proposed extending the ownership rights for performers of
recorded music from 50 years to 95 years, bringing EU law in line
with the USA. Currently, composers of music enjoy a term of
copyright that extends for their whole lifetime and 70 years after
death, while a performer’s copyright lasts for 50 years.
Although Commissioner McCreevy claims that the move
‘should not impact on consumer prices’, it is clear that it would
give record companies a greater degree of control over music on
their back catalogues, enabling them to dictate prices of classic
hits for far longer than at present.
The proposal also claims that the main beneficiaries of a
copyright extension would be the ‘thousands of anonymous
session musicians who contributed to sound recordings in the late
fifties and sixties’, now relying on royalties as their sole pension.
However, the Gowers Review on Intellectual Property 2006, based
on economic analysis carried out at Cambridge University and
backed by the UK Government, concluded that copying US law in
this area would be most likely to benefit major record labels
and their shareholders, rather than retired and unappreciated
jobbing musicians.
The proposal is likely to be considered by the EU in the coming
months, but would be unlikely to be enforced before 2010.
CURRENTS APRIL 2008
consumer choice
157
SERVICES
Closure of RTÉ’s MW service
RTÉ Radio ceased its medium wave (MW) service on 24th March 2008. Is this a prudent decision made in
the interests of efficiency, or has the national broadcaster abandoned its public service remit?
AT A GLANCE
Medium wave.
Loss of service.
Lack of
consultation.
Report by
John Cradden cc
158
RTÉ recently decided to close its
medium wave service, stating that the
technology offers poor value for
money, is environmentally unsound
and out of date, and has poor quality
reception and audio. The broadcaster
also points out that no other Irish
station broadcasts on MW.
From the end of March, MW
audiences can continue to listen to
the same RTÉ Radio 1 programmes
on FM. Listeners who tune into MW
specifically for additional RTÉ Radio
1 programming such as weekday
sports broadcasts and religious
services will find those programmes
on LW (long wave) 252 and a range
of digital platforms.
RTÉ's MW service has been running
since 1926. Listeners began to leave
MW when FM was introduced in the
1970s. Today more than 90% of RTÉ
Radio 1 listening is on FM, RTÉ claims.
“In addition, the growth of new
platforms such as podcasting, mobile
phones and digital radio mean that
radio audiences have a much wider
choice of when and how to listen,” the
broadcaster said.
JP Coakley, head of operations at
RTÉ Radio, told Consumer Choice: "Our
audience research tells us that MW
listening is largely based on habit
rather than necessity. Our job now is
to convince MW listeners that there are
other ways to listen that are as good as,
if not better, than Medium Wave.
According to RTÉ, its Radio 1's LW
252 service was introduced in 2004
consumer choice
APRIL 2008 SERVICES
and was upgraded in 2007. The signal
carries considerably further than MW.
“This is especially relevant to the
maritime community and the Irish
community in Britain.”
In late January, RTÉ launched a
public information campaign on the
changes, which includes MW
announcements, newsletters and press
releases for listeners, representative
bodies and stakeholder groups, and
an information number to call for
assistance on tuning to FM. It also
offers a voucher scheme providing
half-price FM/LW radios for those
most in need.
So what’s the problem?
On the face of it, this decision seems a
reasonable one in light of the better
alternative transmission technologies
available. It also seems prudent in
budgetary terms, as resources that
would be spent on this service are
being re-invested elsewhere. It costs
RTÉ €1.5 million per annum to power
the MW transmission network.
However, RTÉ’s decision has been
criticised by several sources, who say
that the station is abdicating its public
service responsibility to those listeners
who depend on MW services,
including those at sea and those living
in rural areas, Northern Ireland and
further afield where FM services cannot
be accessed.
The Emigrant Advice Network (EAN)
claims that the medium wave signal
also reaches Northern France and the
Benelux countries, and interference on
the long-wave signal means that for
some people, Radio 1 comes in better
on the AM (medium wave) dial.
Furthermore, a former RTÉ staffer
and member of the EAN, Enda O’Kane,
says that by pulling the plug on MW so
quickly, RTÉ has abandoned a
principle that says when a new
technical standard is being introduced,
it is vital to maintain the existing one
during the transition period to allow
the public time to switch over.
choice comment
The central criticism about RTÉ’s unilateral decision to switch off the MW service is not that it
was not a valid decision in the interests of cutting costs and improving efficiency, but that it
did not engage in consultation with its various stakeholders over the decision, never mind
allow MW listeners enough time to make the transition to other platforms.
We agree. After all, the CAI and others have been extensively involved in a consultation
process regarding the introduction of digital terrestrial television and radio. The MW service
was still appreciated by many, particularly by senior citizens who valued it above FM for its
reception reliability and ease of use.
Index
Indexes are printed in the April, July, October and December issues of Consumer Choice. This index covers 2008 reports in the January to March issues of Consumer Choice (see
Contents on p123 for reports in this issue). A full index for 2005-07 was published on p472 of the December 2007 issue. Reports of one page or more are listed in bold type;
shorter items are in ordinary type.
A
Adverts, misleading
Airline tickets, online
Alfa Romeo,
159 SportWagon
Anaemia
Aquaculture ecolabel
Audi, A4
A6
Feb
Feb
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
44
77
36
28
21
4
28
25
Consumer rights
Cordless telephones
Cosmetic surgery
Current accounts
Customs, laptop
Jan 40
Mar 110
Feb 45
Jan 15
Mar 84
D
Detergent, laundry
Dishwashers
Donations, charitable
Mar 113
Jan 33
Mar 118
Bank charges
Beef, brazilian import
Bin charges
Biscuit recall
BMW, 3 series
5 series
Books, author royalties
Breakdown services
Broadband speed
Jan
Mar
Feb
Jan
Jan
Jan
Feb
Jan
Jan
15
98
58
37
26
25
77
5
10
C
CAI, membership number
survey
Car breakdown services
Charity, donations
Chocolate
Chrysler, 300c
Coins, fake euro
Computer, laptop
shortcuts
Condenser dryers
Mar 84
Jan
4
Jan
5
Mar 118
Feb 76
Jan 28
Jan 37
Feb 44
Mar 120
Jan 29
eBay
Elderly,
financial entitlements
EU, Consumer
Commissioner
‘Market Watch’
Euro, fake coins
Feb
58
Jan
38
Mar 84
Mar 117
Jan 37
Ford, Focus
Mondeo
Fruit, free in schools
Mar 101
Jan 38
Jan 36
Mar 85
Jan
8
Jan
Jan
Mar
27
26
84
Mar
85
G
Genetic modification
Haemochromatosis
Hallmark, metal
Honda, Accord
Import, brazilian beef
Income Tax Guide
Ingredients lists
Internet, Providers
Iron supplements
Jan 21
Mar 116
Jan 26
Mar
Feb
Mar
Jan
Jan
98
48
84
10
21
Jan
18
Feb
73
K
Kettles
Mar
92
M
Medicine, traditional
Mercedes-Benz, E-Class
Mercury
Metal hallmark
Microwaves
Minerals, iron
Motor rescue
Feb 44
Jan 25
Feb 76
Mar 116
Mar 104
Jan 21
Jan
5
Jan
8
Jan 18
Feb 44
Mar 84
Mar 113
Feb 77
Product recall, biscuits
mugs, Starbucks
National Heritage Week
Nissan, Note
Nutrition, juice
labelling
pregnancy
Obesity, White Paper
Online, airline tickets
auctions
telephone calls
Feb 44
Jan 28
Jan 18
Jan
8
Mar 117
Jan 37
Jan 36
Feb 58
Mar 89
Jan 10
Jan 28
Jan 28
Mar 116
P
37
84
Feb
61
Jan
Jan
Jan
28
27
28
Jan
Mar
Feb
36
84
65
R
Refuse collection
Renault,
Laguna Sport Tourer
Megane
Modus
Safety, fire
mugs
Satellite navigation
T
Tax Guide, Income
Telephone, area codes
cordless
online
Toasters
Toyota, Avensis
Trains, passenger rights
Tumble dryers
Feb 48
Feb 76
Mar 110
Mar 89
Feb 69
Jan 26
Feb 55
Jan 29
V
Vented tumble dryers
Jan
29
W
Paint, masonry
Personal finance
loans
Pregnancy, nutrition
Mar 114
Jan 38
Mar 95
Mar 116
Water purification
Mar 92
What am I to do?
see all outside back covers
Wireless technology
Mar 107
Brazilian beef update
In last month’s issue of
Consumer Choice our feature on
Brazilian beef looked at this
debate from the consumer
perspective, focusing on the
many changes that have occurred
in the past year. We noted that
this issue is one to watch closely
– and we have been doing just
that. Since publication, the
temporary EU ban was partially
lifted, with 106 Brazilian farms
approved for import of beef into
the EU. This number has since
been reduced to 95. Brazil is a
vast country and it has been
suggested that this number of
farms is not feasible from an
This viewpoint.
unique training course
economic
The Brazilian
Beefareas
Information
will cover
including:
Service, which represents the
effectively
with
BrazilianDealing
Beef Industry
Exporters
Association
(ABIEC)
in
Europe
Consumer Complaints
has stated that Brazilian beef
Sale
Goods
and Supply of
can clearlyofmeet
EU standards.
The final outcome remains to
be seen.
The Consumers’
Association of
Ireland
1 Day Retail
Certification
Course
INDEX APRIL 2008
Jan
Mar
S
N
Opel (Vauxhall), Meriva
Vectra estate
Over-50s Show, RDS
L
Labels, food, traffic light
juice
Laptop, computers
customs
Laundry, liquid detergent
Libraries, lending rights
Loans, personal
O
J
Juice
F
Fair trade
Financial spring clean
Fire safety
Food, GM
labels, traffic light
H
I
E
B
Glycaemic index
Feb 78
Greenwash
Mar 117
Guideline daily amounts Jan
8
consumer choice
159
t
a
h
W
am
?
o
d
I to
We offer a few tips to help you with your spring cleaning.
Report by
Justin Paulsen cc
160
Safety hazards
Healthy household
Too much stuff
How can I minimise fire hazards and
other safety risks in my house?
I’ve heard that mould can make people sick.
How can I prevent this from happening in
my house?
I’ve got a build-up of old toys
and furniture and I don’t know
what to do with it all. How can
I get rid of all the stuff I’ve
accumulated over the years?
Spring cleaning is a good opportunity to
check potential safety risks and take
preventative action.
Problems such as fire hazards,
carbon monoxide, and pests are all
easily taken care of as long as they are
dealt with early. Here’s a list of things
to keep in mind:
• Make sure no appliance or heater
wires are frayed or exposed.
• Check that flammable liquids are
kept well away from heat.
• If you have a fireplace make sure it
has a fireguard.
• Check your smoke detectors and
carbon monoxide detectors, and
replace the batteries if you haven’t
done so in a while.
• Keep an eye out for small holes in
the wall that may signal mice or
other infestations.
• Take care to close all food
containers and to clean up
after meals, as open food will
attract pests.
consumer choice
APRIL 2008 COUNSEL
Mould is a significant health hazard, but many
people still overlook the possibility in their own
homes. Mould lingering around the house in hard
to reach places could make you and your family
sick, so here are a few things to look out for:
• Leaks around the house are a primary cause
of mould, so ensure that appliances that use
water (dishwasher, refrigerator, pipes) aren’t
leaking.
• Make sure to use fans when in the bathroom
and kitchen, or keep the windows open,
because steam will coat the rooms in
moisture.
• Serious cases may require the use of
dehumidifiers or air conditioning to reduce the
risk of mould and keep down the levels of
moisture in the air.
Mould essentially survives on moisture, so
reducing the moisture in your house will limit the
risk of mould.
If you do detect mould, scrubbing with water
and bleach is the standard way to get rid of it,
but if there is an unmanageable amount it may be
best to seek the advice of a professional.
There are a number of easy ways
to dispose of unwanted belongings
without simply throwing them
away. The internet can be your first
port of call. Why not just open up
an eBay account and make some
money from your household junk?
Alternatively, Jumbletown,
Freecycle and DublinWaste are
websites where you give away
unwanted items rather than
selling them. The benefit is
convenience; you don’t need to do
anything but place the
advertisement, and whoever
wants the item will take care
of the rest.
And if you’re not an online
expert, just take it all down to a
charity shop, which will be happy
to take any working items of
saleable quality.