700 fake face masks seized in Fujairah

fujairah — Over 700 fake face masks were seized by the Fujairah Municipality during the ongoing intensive inspection campaigns across the emirate.

The confiscated masks were of unknown origin and did not meet the prescribed standards while posing a risk to public health and safety, said Hassan Salem Al Yamahi, directorgeneral of the civic body.

“Our inspection teams are deployed to curb any practice to exploit the market, and stiff penalties, including hefty fines and closure, shall be slapped on violators.”

Al Yamahi urged the public to report any violation they come across to the municipality’s emergency number 092443399.

“This phone number is reachable round-the-clock,” he said. “All members of the society should be up to the responsibility given the current situation and health challenges.”

Complaints can also be reported to the call centre on the toll free number 80036. “You may also report the same via the municipality app ‘smartFUJAIRAH’.”

Three days back, the Fujairah Municipality shut down a number of pharmacies and outlets for illegally stocking up face masks and unreasonably raising the price of masks. “Up to 18,650 masks were seized from the reported outlets and pharmacies.”

A few days back, the consumer protection section of the department of economic development in Umm Al Quwain shut down a pharmacy and an outlet after it seized over 770 fake face masks from their premisis.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com