Consumer Affairs Issues Fines Over Expired Goods

BASSETERRE — The Consumer Affairs Department has issued $1,000 tickets to seven retailers after inspecting 10 supermarkets and other stores across Basseterre over a 72-hour enforcement sweep, citing violations of the Consumer Protection Act, 2023.

The tickets were issued under Section 87 of the act, which prohibits the sale of expired goods. According to Consumer Affairs, the majority of the citations stemmed from businesses caught selling products past their expiration dates.

“Within the past 72 hours, Consumer Affairs officers have had to issue tickets to various retailers, mainly for selling expired goods,” the department said.

Retailers who receive tickets must settle payment at the Magistrate’s Court Cashier in Fortlands, Basseterre. The Consumer Affairs Department is urging businesses across St. Kitts and Nevis to review their shelves and inventory practices to avoid similar penalties going forward.

“Businesses, we are reminding you to stay compliant to avoid penalties,” the department said.

Officials also renewed their call for consumers to play an active role in policing the marketplace, encouraging shoppers to report any suspected violations of their consumer rights.

“Consumers, if you see anything in the marketplace that violates your rights, report it to us. Your alert could help protect others,” the department said.

Consumers can file a complaint online through the department’s website, consumeraffairs.gov.kn, by clicking the “File a Complaint” button. Once submitted, complainants receive a Complaint ID number by email that can be used to track the status of their case on the website, from submission through resolution. The department said it will review each complaint and follow up with the consumer by phone or email.

The enforcement action is part of an ongoing effort by the Consumer Affairs Department to hold retailers accountable to the 2023 legislation, which set out protections for shoppers against unfair and unsafe sales practices. The department said its officers will continue to make unannounced visits to retail outlets across the federation.

Consumers wishing to file a report or businesses seeking guidance on compliance can contact the Consumer Affairs Department by phone at 465-2521, extensions 3350 or 3211, or by email at consumeraffairs@gov.kn. The department can also be reached through its website, consumeraffairs.gov.kn, its Facebook page, or the SKN Smart Shopper App, available on the Google Play Store and App Store.