Minimal Compliance

Perhaps it is only my perception, but it seems to me that business, and even other kinds of enterprises often avoid doing the honourable/sensible thing because it is not required by law.

A large example is the tobacco industry, which often resists every sensible constraint with the complaint that the use of a 'legal product' should not be constrained.

Most builders of offices and houses, who might construct more liveable neighbourhoods by constructing buildings with increased setbacks, will construct right to the legal minimum setback, regardless of the long-term consequences for the people who will live in the area for years to come.

I could go on and on.  But I was reminded of minimal compliance recently by a consumer complaint I saw mentioned on the TV news.  A mundane matter really, but indicative of the pervasive nature of minimal compliance.

The consumer asked why s/he could not find a 'best-before date' on canned beans in sauce.  Each can does carry an indecipherable code.  When the company was asked why the product did not contain a best-before date, the response was that Canadian food products with a shelf life of more than 90 days are NOT REQUIRED BY LAW OR REGULATION to carry a best-before date.  So, the company puts on their product an obtuse production code, which ALLOWS THE COMPANY to determine the actual product production date.

The 'helpful' suggestion was that the consumer was welcome to phone the company contact phone number, included on each each label; and that the company would be pleased to decode the number on the can for purposes of informing the customer about the production date.

Oh yeah!  I can see that happening while some harried customer is trailing through the isles of a favourite super market in the late afternoon, while the family is waiting for supper.

My 'helpful' suggestion would be to provide the production date in a readable form (for consumers) on all products on which a company already records such information on the product.

I suspect we will wait a long time for this sensible thing to happen in the absence of any legislation.

Makes one realize why the mercantile world is full of what they call, 'red tape'.

Wealthy lack empathy, generosity of lower classes, study finds

Wealthy lack empathy, generosity of lower classes, study finds

So, in view of this report, we might be inclined to look in the mirror.  While doing so, if you find yourself checking your cell phone, this might suggest something about which of the two social classes you ought to call your own.