The Office of the Consumer Protection (OCP) has received complaints that some inferior quality of rice is being supplied in the market claiming to be superior brands.
OCP has advised people to exercise caution while making purchases.
According to the OCP, selling inferior quality of rice is not an issue as consumers have personal choices and preferences. However, selling inferior quality products, as a superior quality product is a deceptive and unethical trade practice.
At a time when the country is stocking up rice and other essential commodities in large quantities, OCP says there is a possibility of compromises on quality and quantity. The OCP advises people to be mindful at this time of the pandemic.
The OCP has advised the importers and wholesalers in the country to verify the quality of rice and ensure there is no misrepresentation. OCP has also established marketing surveillance and monitoring teams across the country to monitor and ensure that unfair trade practices do not proliferate in the market.
Jigme Dorji, Chief Program Officer, OCP said, “Based on our suggestions and directives, they are verifying the quality of rice and other essential commodities to ensure quality is not being compromised and that prices are not artificially inflated.”
OCP has identified 102 essential commodities ranging from food and cereals to toiletries. The office keeps track of the price movements on a daily basis.
The office penalised 48 business entities for unfair trade practices in March and April.
Sonam Pem
