DOHA: The authorities have launched a crackdown on butcheries and food outlets across the country, violating health regulations, ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce conducted a massive inspection campaign covering 134 butcheries. Several violations were detected and fines imposed in 14 cases, the Ministry said yesterday. The campaign was part of its Ramadan initiatives under the theme ‘#Aqal_Min_Al_Wajeb’ meaning ‘#the_least_we_can _do’. Violations included selling expired meat, failure to announce product prices and use of inaccurate product labels .
Article 8 of the consumer protection law No. 8 of 2008 stipulates that “suppliers shall display the price of any product on sale either on the product or in a prominent place” and Article 6 prohibits the sale, display or promotion of fraudulent or corrupt products. A product is considered fraudulent if it is expired or fails to meet the required standards, the Ministry said.
Every year the Ministry intensifies the inspection campaign during Ramadan to monitor markets and commercial activity to crack down on price manipulation and protect consumer rights.
Violations of the law result in penalties ranging from closures and fines from QR3,000 up to QR1m.
Inspectors of the Health Monitoring Section at Doha Municipality seized 80 kg of nuts from a food store that were found unfit for human consumption.
The municipality said it has launched inspection campaigns in the Industrial Area under the supervision of veterinarians. The campaign focused on bakeries, food stores, shops selling sweets and nuts and fruits and vegetable stores.
Meanwhile, the Ministry launched an initiative to boost the productivity of bakeries, as part of its Ramadan campaign.
It aims to bolster productivity and support the vital sector, which has witnessed a growth of 48 percent in 2015 and 2016. It also ensures citizens and residents have access to basic high-quality commodities.
The Ministry, in cooperation with bakeries, has completed preparations to ensure that there is sufficient supply of commodities that are in high demand during Ramadan, including bread, samosas, pies, pastries, fried potatoes and other fried foods and products.
The Peninsula
