Fiji’s Post-Flood Ethics: Are Traders Exploiting Consumers?

Seema Shandil, the chief executive of the Consumer Council of Fiji, has emphasized the importance of collective action and accountability in post-flood recovery efforts. She condemned unethical practices such as the sale of damaged goods and price gouging, stating that these actions are particularly harmful as many consumers are already facing hardships.

Shandil highlighted that past incidents have seen traders attempting to sell flood-damaged items at reduced prices, a practice that is illegal under Fiji’s Food Safety Act. She cautioned that offering contaminated food or goods affected by flooding can pose significant health risks to consumers.

The Council is urging vendors to responsibly dispose of compromised goods rather than selling them. Shandil also advised consumers to carefully inspect essential items such as flour, rice, lentils, and fresh produce for any signs of spoilage, especially focusing on packaging integrity and expiration dates. Furthermore, with the potential for prolonged power outages, consumers should be vigilant when purchasing frozen foods, monitoring them for discoloration, strange smells, or excessive ice build-up, as selling compromised frozen items breaches safety regulations.

Shandil reiterated that public safety is paramount and called on traders to adhere strictly to ethical food handling standards. She also warned against the practice of price gouging, where retailers inflate prices on essential items like candles and batteries during emergencies. Such actions are against the law, and those caught could face legal repercussions.

Consumers are encouraged to be proactive—documenting instances of inflated prices with receipts or photos and reporting these issues to the Council for prompt action. To ensure safety and fairness during this recovery period, individuals should thoroughly inspect goods before purchase and report any suspicious activity to the Consumer Council’s toll-free helpline at 155.

This call for safety and responsibility serves as a reminder of the strength of community vigilance. By working together and holding each other accountable, consumers and traders alike can help ensure a safer post-disaster recovery, fostering trust and ethical practices in the marketplace.