Ministry steps up checks at shops ahead of Eid

The Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) has intensified its inspection campaigns to ensure that local outlets did not manipulate prices and tamper with the quality of goods ahead of Eid al-Fitr.

The inspectors are focusing on the most sought-after items by consumers on this occasion such as foodstuff, clothes, candies and gifts. The campaign aims at exercising a tight control on  price tags and hinder any potential manipulation in the quality of goods.

Accordingly, MEC law enforcement officers have conducted an  inspection campaign at the Abu Hamour Central Market, targeting vegetable and fruits stalls. They checked both the wholesale and retail shops and the auction yard to monitor  the situation  and address consumer complaints of unjustifiable hikes in prices. The campaign has resulted so far in registering more than 20 violations such as non-display of price tags, display of items  in an improper manner and not stating the country of origin.  Some traders were issued notices for not posting related information in the Arabic language.

MEC inspectors have booked unauthorised street vendors  at the market, charging them with  breaking  rules and regulations of the market’s operations.

The campaign also targeted some 200 shops selling men’s products and services. They include stores selling clothes, tailoring units, outlets dealing in accessories and barber shops. These checks resulted in issuing 27 notices for offering  certain special offers and promotions in violation of the rules. About  20 MEC inspectors took part in the drive.

Some 200 shops selling candies, sweets and nuts were checked by a group of 15 MEC inspectors who issued 13 violation notices, mostly regarding the display of inadequate or faulty information , cheating in weights or not having proper price tags.

The fine for  such violations starts at QR6,000 and could be doubled in case of repeating the same violation, according to laws and regulations of Consumer Protection Department (CPD).

MEC has  launched a number of initiatives during the holy month of Ramadan to support consumers like the sale of around 400 edible and non-edible items at reduced prices at all outlets in the country. MEC made an agreement with Widam Foods Company to import around 27,000 Arab sheep to be sold to Qataris at subsidised prices. Each  local household has the right to buy two  Jordanian or Syrian sheep at subsidised rates during Ramadan and it was decided that these should be only be delivered after slaughter to avoid resale.

During Ramadan MEC inspectors have conducted 80 inspection campaigns at local markets where they spotted 68 consumer violations at the  3,540 commercial outlets visited so far.

MEC recently concluded its consumer awareness campaign “No for extravagance” launched during Ramadan at some major shopping centres to instruct people on the need to organise their shopping trips, avoid over-spending  and follow recommended rules for an “effective” shopping experience. MEC showed short films on its message at these outlets and distributed leaflets to shoppers.

Sheikh Jassim bin Jabr al-Thani, MEC’s assistant undersecretary for consumer protection affairs, said the ministry would  be strict with those violating the consumer protection laws and would continue its  campaign to exercise tighter control on the local markets.

MEC has called upon the public to report violations or irregularities to CPD at the toll-free line:8005000, hotline: 44945500, 449455550, SMS: 92665 or e-mail : cbd@mec.com.qa, info@mec.gov.qa

 Action against five outlets  for flouting food safety norms

 The Doha Municipality has ordered the closure of five establishments for violating food safety norms under Law No 8 of 1990, local Arabic daily Arrayah has reported. They include two cafeterias (closed for 30 days), two shops in Souq Waqif (shut for 15 days) and a supermarket in Al Matar (closed for seven days). “The municipality has stepped up  campaigns by food inspectors with a special focus on shops selling sweets and nuts as well as restaurants so as to ensure quality and health compliance,” the Arabic newspaper said.