Bula Vinaka shoppers! This week in a local retail store, I overheard a group of cashiers expressing their concerns about the rising costs of everyday festive items such as cake mix, milk, and fruits. With Christmas approaching, some supermarkets have reportedly raised prices by a dollar or more, a trend that has been echoed by the Consumer Council of Fiji (CCF).
CCF chief executive Seema Shandil recently disclosed that the council has carried out 1,014 inspections at supermarkets, retail shops, open markets, restaurants, bakeries, and service providers to combat price inflation and protect consumers during the festive period. These inspections revealed significant violations, prompting the council to collaborate with enforcement agencies, municipal councils, and health authorities to ensure that traders treat shoppers fairly.
“The festive season should be a time of joy for families, not a time for exploitation,” Shandil emphasized. The CCF has made it clear that fair pricing, honest advertising, and the provision of safe and hygienic products are not merely recommendations but legal obligations. Traders who fail to comply with these standards may face enforcement actions. Consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any unfair practices through the National Consumer Helpline at 155 or on the council’s social media platforms.
As the holiday shopping season heats up, the CCF stresses the importance of vigilance and responsible trading. Council officers have been active participants in the Price Monitoring and Enforcement Taskforce (PMET), which focuses on ensuring compliance with price regulations and promoting transparent business practices.
The inspections, which commenced in August, aim to safeguard fair pricing and food safety leading into the busy Christmas shopping period. The CCF has uncovered issues such as price control violations, missing price tags, misleading advertisements, and instances of traders operating without the required licenses. Concerns regarding food safety have also been alarming; expired products and items with unsatisfactory hygiene conditions were discovered at several establishments.
The inspections revealed deteriorating conditions, including expired items, rotten produce, damaged packaging, and pest infestations within supermarkets and eateries. Some butcher sections and storage areas showed an urgency for cleaning, while pre-packaged foods were lacking necessary labeling. Poor compliance was noted in restaurant eateries, with uncovered food and ongoing pest issues.
Additionally, misleading advertisements and missing price tags were found at service stations. In salons and barbershops, VAT was often not reflected in receipts. Immediate actions were taken, including the removal of expired and unsafe food products and corrective measures on misleading promotional displays.
Warnings were issued to businesses failing to comply, and many committed to rectifying their issues promptly. More serious breaches have already been escalated to appropriate authorities for further investigation.
The CCF’s findings suggest that while many traders are functioning ethically, a minority are still engaging in risky practices that jeopardize consumer safety. “Customers are not just transactions — they are the backbone of every business. Ethical conduct builds trust, loyalty, and long-term growth,” Shandil added.
As we approach the festive season, it is crucial for consumers to navigate the marketplace with awareness and diligence. Christmas should not bring anxiety over unsafe food or hidden costs. This season symbolizes goodwill and togetherness, and ensuring a fair shopping environment is a collective responsibility. Shoppers are encouraged to be observant and act with integrity, ensuring that their festive experiences remain joyful and free from exploitation.
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