The Consumer Council of Fiji is advocating for the authority to publicly identify businesses that are selling unsafe or substandard products, amid rising concerns regarding the prevalence of defective goods in the marketplace. Chief Executive Seema Shandil emphasized the importance of this measure, stating that the council seeks the ability to “name and shame” traders who consistently fail to adhere to product safety standards.
Shandil clarified that while the council does not need full enforcement powers, bringing attention to non-compliant traders would aid in protecting consumers. The council collaborates closely with various partners, addressing issues discovered during monitoring and through consumer complaints.
“By having the powers to name and shame these traders, we can protect consumers from those engaging in non-compliant behavior,” Shandil said. This initiative comes in light of increasing public concern over the availability of low-quality and potentially hazardous products in the market.
Furthermore, Shandil believes that by identifying unscrupulous traders and sharing this information with the media, consumers will be better informed about which businesses to avoid. The Minister for Finance has also expressed support for strengthening consumer protections, noting that the Ministry is working with stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, to address gaps in regulation and enforcement.
Efforts will include reviewing entry points such as borders and customs to enhance product safety measures. The Council highlights that raising awareness among consumers and encouraging reports of unsafe products will play a crucial role in promoting accountability within the marketplace.
This proactive approach seeks to foster a safer consumer environment, empowering citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed purchasing decisions while holding businesses accountable for maintaining safety standards.
Leave a comment