The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) is ramping up its inspection and monitoring activities as the Easter weekend approaches, focusing on consumer protection against unethical trading practices. The initiative, which began earlier this month, aims to prevent unfair pricing, misleading promotions, and inflated discounts during high-spending periods.
FCCC Chief Executive Senikavika Jiuta has issued a firm warning to traders, emphasizing that any violations will incur stringent legal consequences. “To ensure compliance, the entire FCCC team will be conducting nationwide inspections and market surveillance,” Jiuta stated. This proactive approach is not only meant to safeguard consumer rights but also to foster a fair shopping environment during the busy Easter season.
During the pre-Easter inspections, FCCC teams identified issues such as lack of proper price displays, spoiled food products, and discrepancies between sale prices and checkout amounts. The FCCC continues to collaborate with municipal health inspectors to ensure the food products sold to consumers are safe and not expired.
Jiuta encourages the public to report any violations they encounter, reinforcing the importance of consumer vigilance. “We see consumers and the wider public as essential partners in our mission,” she said, marking the FCCC’s commitment to maintaining integrity in the marketplace.
This foundation of collaborative efforts echoes FCCC’s prior initiatives during other peak shopping periods, like Christmas, where similar inspections were conducted to tackle price gouging and misleading promotions. The commission’s commitment reflects a broader initiative not just for consumer safety but to create a culture of fairness and ethical practices in commerce.
As the Easter holiday approaches, there is hope that with concerted efforts from both the FCCC and the public, the festive season can be enjoyed without the worry of exploitation, ensuring consumer rights are upheld and traders act responsibly.
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