In a statement, the MEC said it carried out an unannounced inspection campaign - targeting edible oil vendors - and collected samples of cooking oil in order to ensure their conformity with standard specifications.
The inspection campaign was part of the ministry’s efforts to crack down on violations and protect consumer rights.
The laboratory results confirmed that the first sample did not comply with the specifications in terms of its fatty acid content, while the second one contained a higher-than-permitted quantity of antioxidants (TBHQ, E391) vis-à-vis GCC specifications, the statement noted.
The products were recalled in accordance with Article 5 of Law No 8 of 2008, which prohibits the sale, display or advertising of fraudulent and corrupt goods. An item is considered fraudulent or corrupt if it has expired or fails to meet standard specifications.
Penalties for violations of the law on consumer protection include administrative closures and a minimum fee of QR3,000, going up to QR1mn.
The MEC stressed that it would intensify its inspection campaigns to crack down on all violations of the consumer protection law. It will refer violators of laws and ministerial decrees to the competent authorities, who will take the appropriate action in order to protect the rights of consumers.
The ministry has urged all consumers to report violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud department and send complaints and suggestions through the call centre (16001), email ([email protected]), Twitter (MEC_QATAR), Instagram (MEC_QATAR) and the MEC application for smartphones available on iPhone and Android devices (MEC_QATAR).
