More raids during the festive season: CAA

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) said yesterday it had appointed several officials to carry out raids during the festive season.

CAA Consumer Affairs & Information Director Chandrika Tillekaratne said they would focus on the quality and standard of food items, electronic items and garments.

“We have appointed special teams to carry out raids during the festive season. They will work not only on week days but also during the weekends and other holidays throughout the festive season,” she said. Ms. Tillekeratne said a number of complaints had been received on malpractices such as selling goods with their validity long expired, changing of labels and the selling of goods at higher prices. She said during the past few weeks the CAA had carried out raids on food items with the support of the Health Ministry.

She said the officials would check whether the goods being sold were up to the required standards and ensure that vendors avoid misleading customers.

“If an item is supposed to have SLS certification we will check whether the manufacturers have mentioned that the item has SLS certification. We will make sure that the vendors do not sell goods above the marked price,” she said.

Ms. Tillekeratne said it was mandatory to have price tags or a price list. With regard to garments she said all readymade and other garments would also be inspected.

“Apart from readymade goods we will be inspecting raw material and their prices. Our teams will be inspecting all small , medium and largescale shops,” she said and added that with regard to electric items the officials would focus on safety.

Ms. Tillekeratne said if any vendor was found guilty of any trade malpractice his/her goods would be confiscated and legal action taken against him/her.