The German courts are notorious for issuing rulings on the most minute details of every day life.
But officials in Frankfurt surpassed themselves when they ruled Ferrero was legally obliged to specify the exact number of chocolates in each box of its popular Raffaello coconut-almond chocolates.
It found the Italian producer was in breach of strict European Union regulations which state the specific number of sweets inside the box must be listed on the packaging.
And the bonkers judgement could have far-reaching effects across the whole of the EU if other countries decide to follow suit.
The case was brought by a local consumer watchdog after a complaint from an individual customer.
Ferrero only lists the weight of the chocolates on its boxes and in Germany where it sells Raffaello in 40g, 150g and 230g packs.
But the official consumer centre for the state of Hesse said that was not enough.
Spokesman Wiebke Franz said: “Consumers either have to be able to see the number of sweets inside, or it must be specified on the packaging, which is the only way they can judge the quantity correctly.”
It appears Ferrero has fallen foul of the law because Raffaello are individually wrapped.
Under EU rules, chocolates and ice cream can be sold by weight provded they are not individually wrapped.
But if they have their own packaging the quantity must be specified.
The chocolate-maker argued unsuccessfully that the regulation should not apply, claiming the wrappers were “separation aids” and not packaging.
And it said it would appeal against the ruling.
A spokesman said: “Implementing such a ruling would overturn standard practice and have an impact on the entire confectionery industry.
“In order to provide legal certainty for Ferrero and the industry and to reach a practical decision, the case is now before the higher regional court of Frankfurt for review.”