The
Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) has uncovered 649 expired and
uncertified products in 14 shops during inspections conducted in Mangochi,
Machinga, Zomba, Mzimba, Mzuzu and Kasungu.
Public
Relations officer for CFTC Innocent Herema says the seized products included
biscuits, noodles, yoghurt, condensed milk, fruit juices, energy drinks,
cosmetic products and uncertified chilli products.
Helema
says the expired and uncertified products are exposing negligence by some
traders and pose a threat to consumer safety, which is contrary to the
competition laws both locally and internationally.
He
adds that the conduct violates Section 51(e) of the Competition and Fair
Trading Act, which prohibits the sale of products that may cause harm to
consumers or fail to meet Malawi's safety standards.
"The
Commission will take necessary regulatory measures against shops found in
violation of the law, including imposing monetary penalties of up to 10 percent
of their annual turnover," Helema explains
Helema
said that during the inspection, the team found that the expired products varied across
multiple consumer categories, but also over various timeframes, hence highlighting
gross negligence by the traders.
The inspection team conducting the exercise
“Expired
drinks made up the largest portion of the inventory, including 153 bottles of
fruit juice, 16 bottles of energy drinks, 10 bottles of tonic water and various
soft drinks.
“We
also found other products such as 15 bottles of expired cosmetic products, 68
packets of yogurt without expiry dates, 14 bottles of uncertified chilies and
2 dietary supplements “he explained
He
adds that the commission will take necessary regulatory measures against the
shops and may be ordered, including monetary penalties to pay off up to 10
percent of their annual turnover once the commission finds them in violation of
the CFTA.
Helema has urged traders and suppliers to exercise due diligence to ensure they do not stock expired or uncertified products.
The commission has also called on consumers to remain vigilant, check expiry dates and product certification marks, and report traders found violating fair trading laws.
