A comprehensive inspection initiative focused on festive season trading practices is currently taking place in the Western Division from December 8 to 9, led by the Price Monitoring & Enforcement Taskforce. This operation seeks to ensure fair pricing for essential goods, consistent pricing practices, and adequate stock levels across various retailers.
The Taskforce is composed of officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, the Fiji Revenue & Customs Service, and the Consumer Council of Fiji. On the first day of inspections, significant violations were identified at multiple supermarkets, prompting the issuance of notices for various infractions. These included the failure to display accurate price labels, the presence of expired products on shelves, and non-compliance with the recent VAT reductions.
Moreover, inspections uncovered misleading promotional activities where items marked as discounted were, in fact, sold at standard prices. The conditions of many stores raised further concerns, with issues such as leaking roofs, damaged floor tiles, and unsanitary shelving and refrigeration units being reported. Specific attention was also directed towards the quality of meat products, highlighting missing temperature indicators and unclean frozen items.
Authorities emphasize that these findings serve as a staunch warning to retailers who may attempt to take advantage of consumers during the festive season. The Taskforce has pledged to pursue penalties against those found deliberately breaking the law.
Inspections are ongoing today in various locations, including Lautoka, Ba, Tavua, Rakiraki, and Korovou. The Ministry of Finance, along with its partners, remains steadfast in its commitment to shielding families from unfair trading practices and ensuring retailers adhere to established standards, reinforcing consumer rights during this vital shopping period.