Shoppers are warned to pay extra attention when buying goods as they may be damaged, expired or defective post Tropical Cyclone Gita says Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading. World Consumer Rights Day was marked on 15 March, with the theme “Be a more Cautious Shopper”.

Mr Edgar Cocker, CEO of Ministry of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation and Labour’s (MCCTIL), said the Ministry has “the authority under the law to cancel business licenses which undertake these unethical practices” and that members of the public and related government departments are encouraged to refer these incidents to the Ministry. “This cannot be tolerated,” he said.

Director for Consumer Affairs & Fair Trading Division, Sandra Fifita, said that after every natural disaster, there are increasing concerns of the sale of these types of goods sold at normal prices and at a discount.

“Now is the right time to emphasize this message to consumers to be more aware of these issues and make the right decision in their everyday purchases.”

Labelled and faulty goods

According to MCCTIL all goods should be labelled in English or Tongan and ones that are not, should not be sold. Damaged goods such as those that are cracked, rusty, loosely packaged, and expired should be avoided. In addition, MCCTIL encourages shoppers to take the time to read the nutritional contents of the labeling so they know what they are consuming.

However, the reality is that some falekoloa's (shops) in Tonga sell goods that are loosely packaged in plastic bags with no labels such as sugar, flour, crackers, and meat. Consumers would have no idea if these goods have expired or are faulty and trust that the shopkeepers are selling quality goods and that they practice safe hygiene when handling them.

Although MCCTIL are warning consumers not to buy goods that are not labelled in English or Tongan, the responsibility should also fall on Customs to ensure these goods are not imported into the country. 

Consumers who wish to complain should contact MCCTIL. Food safety related issues should be reported to MAFFF’s toll free number 0800 038.