FCCC remains committed to protecting consumers and ensuring a fair marketplace

As the holiday and festive season unfolds, the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission remains committed to protecting consumers, ensuring a fair marketplace and continuing its ongoing inspections to ensure compliance with consumer laws and reinforcing fair trade practices throughout and beyond the festive season.

This has been highlighted by the FCCC as they have recorded 37 alleged breaches this month out of the 2,440 inspections conducted while 146 were recorded in November with potential unethical behaviour among traders.

FCCC says they also carried out 118 joint inspections with the Ministry of Health and various Municipal Councils, targeting key areas such as hygiene, storage, and distribution practices in markets, restaurants, and food production facilities which are under investigation.

While acknowledging the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica, FCCC Chief Executive Officer Joel Abraham says the joint efforts are a significant boost for food safety enforcement efforts in the country which reflect their commitment to public well-being and market fairness.

Abraham also urges consumers to stay vigilant and assures that the government together with FCCC is dedicated to maintaining a fair and safe marketplace for all Fijians.

He says their primary goal is to ensure that Fijians celebrate Christmas with peace of mind, that all necessary measures are being implemented, that customers are being treated fairly in the marketplace and any attempts to deceive or exploit consumers will face severe legal consequences, backed by swift and resolute enforcement actions.

The CEO says FCCC is closely monitoring prices to maintain a balance between cost and quality however, members of the public must also exercise increased vigilance during their Christmas shopping and remain safe against predatory selling practices and unethical traders.