SUPERMARKETS have been told to change their price promotions after regulators found they might "mislead" customers.

Asda has been singled out by the Competition and Markets Authority after the consumer group Which? lodged a "super-complaint" against it last year.

The CMA met with supermarkets and Trading Standards representatives to review common practice on "was/now" and multi-buy promotions.

In one instance, Which? found Asda had been selling two-litre bottles of Pepsi for £1.98 for 28 days, followed by a 63-day period selling the bottles for £1 each, whilst advertising the drink "was £1.98".

Rules say such price promotions cannot last longer than the higher price period.

The consumer group also found tomato ketchup on sale with some bottles priced "per 100ml", while others were priced "per 100g", making comparisons difficult.

The CMA has not ruled against Asda, but the chain has committed to the regulator that it will change the way it operates its promotional deals.

Michael Grenfell, CMA executive director for enforcement, said: "Supermarkets generally take compliance seriously, but there were some promotional practices that could mislead shoppers.

"We welcome the commitment we have received from Asda as well as the engagement from other supermarkets, and expect them all to ensure that their practices are not misleading and that shoppers are better informed and able to choose the products that most suit their needs."

An Asda spokesman said, "All supermarkets were asked to review their pricing practices and make any necessary changes. The CMA has asked for a commitment from Asda on our promotional pricing rules and we were happy to provide this.

"It's important that customers know that the CMA did not make any findings against Asda, and it hasn't questioned our commitment to every day low prices."