Seema Shandil, the chief executive of the Consumer Council of Fiji, emphasized the necessity of collective action and accountability in the recovery efforts following recent floods. She condemned unethical practices such as selling damaged goods and price gouging, which pose a serious challenge for consumers already facing hardships.
Shandil highlighted that historical occurrences have seen traders attempting to sell flood-affected items at lower prices, a tactic she deemed both unethical and illegal under Fiji’s Food Safety Act. She cautioned that selling food contaminated by floodwaters can lead to serious health risks.
To protect themselves, Shandil urged consumers to meticulously inspect goods, particularly essential items like flour, rice, and fresh produce, advising them to avoid products with damaged packaging or expired dates. The prolonged power outages caused by the flooding further complicate this situation, especially concerning frozen foods. She encouraged consumers to be vigilant, looking for signs of spoilage in frozen items, such as discoloration or foul odors, as selling such items is a violation of safety regulations.
Shandil also addressed the concerning issue of price gouging, where essential items like candles and batteries are sold at inflated prices during crises. This practice is strictly prohibited under the FCCC Act, and traders found guilty of price gouging face legal repercussions.
In a proactive stance, Shandil called on consumers to document instances of overpriced goods and report any unethical behavior to the Consumer Council, which can be done through their national toll-free helpline at 155.
The message from the Council not only seeks to safeguard consumer rights but also fosters a sense of community responsibility in ensuring fair practices during challenging times. The call for vigilance against unethical commercial practices is a hopeful reminder that through collective effort, fairness, and accountability can thrive, even amidst adversity.
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