Errant traders to face the music

by Carol Aloysius

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) said that there was a sharp rise in prices, sub quality and outdated consumer products being sold during the festive season.

The increase in rice prices was especially rampant, a spokesman for the CAA said.

“We issued a new gazette notification to traders before the New Year regarding the prices of different varieties of rice. In spite of this many traders sold rice over the controlled price”, Deputy Director Regional Affairs, Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) Asela Bandara told the Sunday Observer.

He said the CAA had intensified raids during the festive season and conducted over 300 raids islandwide. “We found over 300 traders guilty of selling rice over the stipulated price. Offenders included supermarkets and small-time traders".

Adulterated food, especially spices, and stale food were also found during the raids, while several traders were also found guilty of selling substandard electrical items and inferior textiles. “They will face stiff penalties”, he said, adding that the CAA would continue its raids and conduct consumer awareness programs for the public and traders.