Fiji’s Post-Flood Market at Risk: Are Traders Taking Advantage?

Seema Shandil, the chief executive of the Consumer Council of Fiji, emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility and accountability in the recovery efforts following recent floods. She highlighted that unethical practices, such as the sale of compromised goods and price gouging, must be avoided, especially as many consumers are already facing challenges.

Shandil recalled that in past years, there have been cases where traders attempted to sell goods damaged by flooding at discounted prices. Such actions are not just unethical but also violate the Food Safety Act of Fiji, posing significant health risks to consumers from contaminated food.

The Council is strongly urging all traders to responsibly dispose of any goods affected by the floods rather than selling them to consumers. Shandil advises buyers to carefully inspect staple items like flour, rice, and fresh produce, steering clear of any products with damaged packaging or past expiration dates.

Additionally, she expressed concern about the dangers posed by prolonged power outages, particularly for frozen foods. Consumers are encouraged to check frozen items for spoilage signs, including discoloration and unusual odors, as selling compromised frozen goods is a violation of safety regulations.

Shandil also pointed out the disturbing trend of price gouging on essential items during emergencies, which is prohibited under the FCCC Act. She encourages consumers to document instances of inflated pricing by keeping receipts or taking photographs and report these to the Council for investigation.

Consumers are reminded to thoroughly inspect products before purchasing and to report any unethical practices via the national toll-free helpline 155.

In summary, the Consumer Council of Fiji is taking a stand against unethical practices in the wake of natural disasters, ensuring consumer safety and accountability among traders. This proactive stance not only protects public health but also promotes ethical business practices in challenging times—a hopeful approach towards recovery and support within the community.