Behind the attractive prices are products that threaten the health of consumers

The Emirates Association for Consumer Protection in the country has warned consumers that behind the attractive prices in some sales outlets, there are products that are close to expiring.

The Chairman of the Association’s Board of Directors, Mohammed Khalifa bin Uzair Al Muhairi, explained to “Emirates Today” that “some promotional and marketing offers offered by some stores and outlets at low prices may include products whose expiration date is close to expiration or that have been subjected to poor storage, making them vulnerable to damage or corruption, which negatively affects the health of consumers.”

Al Muhairi called on the local and federal regulatory authorities in the country to intensify inspection campaigns on markets, especially during seasons, occasions and holidays in which promotional offers increase, to ensure that merchants adhere to safety and quality standards and implement laws regulating consumer protection.

At the same time, he stressed the need for consumers to have a high degree of awareness and responsibility when accepting promotional offers offered by some stores and outlets at low prices, noting that “responsibility does not lie with the official authorities only, but rather begins with the awareness of the consumer himself,” calling on the public to follow conscious purchasing behavior based on examination and confirmation before purchasing.

He noted the need for consumers to read the product label carefully, check the expiration date and method of preservation, and not be carried away by the low price only, explaining that what matters is not only the price of the product, but rather its safety and quality, especially since human health is priceless.

Al Muhairi also advised consumers to avoid buying large quantities of perishable goods during offers, to ensure that the product is not exposed to high heat or humidity, and to keep the purchase invoice as a legal right that must be available in the event of filing a complaint with the relevant official authorities, with the necessity of immediately reporting any violation or damaged goods through the competent authorities or the consumer protection hotline (8001222) of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism.

He pointed out that Federal Law No. (15) of 2020 regarding consumer protection obligates all suppliers and shops to provide goods and services in a way that guarantees their quality and safety and not to display or sell any product that has expired or is unfit for human consumption. The law also requires suppliers to clearly disclose the characteristics of the goods, their production and expiration dates, and their optimal storage methods.

Al Muhairi stressed that consumer protection is an essential pillar in the sustainability of national markets, and that community awareness constitutes the first line of defense against any irresponsible commercial practices, noting that the Emirates Consumer Protection Association continues to implement intensive awareness and educational programs to enhance the culture of safe purchasing in cooperation with government agencies and the private sector to ensure a healthy and safe shopping environment for all members of society.