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Fake Nivea lotion and Hullets sugar in Zimbabwe streets
2 hrs ago |
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The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has warned consumers to be vigilant against counterfeit Nivea cosmetics and Hullets sugar after recent seizures, as it steps up a nationwide crackdown on fake, expired and improperly labelled products.
CPC board chairperson Commissioner Respina Zinyanduko said counterfeiters were increasingly targeting established household brands, with recent enforcement operations uncovering fake Nivea, Shield Sheen and Eversharp products, as well as counterfeit Hullets sugar.
"Recent seizures of counterfeit Hullets sugar and Eversharp pens, as well as fake Nivea and Shield Sheen products, show that even well-known brands are being targeted by counterfeiters," Zinyanduko said.
The Commission has prosecuted 1 615 businesses since January this year, with failure to display prices accounting for 471 cases.
The offence was second only to the sale of expired goods, which resulted in 572 prosecutions.
A further 26 businesses were cited for failing to issue receipts.
Between January and July, the CPC conducted 12 105 inspections, resulting in 1 615 prosecution notices and 925 compliance notices.
Zinyanduko urged consumers to carefully examine products before making purchases, particularly fast-moving consumer goods.
"Consumers should look out for valid expiry dates, full supplier details and warning labels. Be wary of unusually cheap or unbranded goods, especially cooking oil, sugar, mealie-meal, milk, matemba and snacks sold loose or in unmarked packaging," she said.
She also warned consumers to be suspicious of familiar brands being sold at unusually low prices or products whose packaging appears slightly different from the original.
Counterfeit products are reportedly being sold through informal markets and night vending operations, with some vendors also operating in busy areas during the day.
The CPC said some retail outlets operating from glass-partitioned shops were also failing to display prices and issue receipts, exposing consumers to potential exploitation.
Consumers have been urged to report suspected counterfeit, expired or illegally repackaged products to the CPC through its toll-free lines on Econet 080 803 23 and NetOne 080 123 01.
The Commission said it was working with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, city health departments, Standards Association of Zimbabwe and manufacturers, including Lobels and the Dairy Board, to combat counterfeiting and smuggling.
Six national enforcement blitzes have been conducted so far this year, targeting counterfeit products, expired goods and improper labelling.
In July alone, 31 cases were referred to other regulatory authorities for further action.
The CPC said the enforcement campaign would continue as authorities seek to protect consumers from potentially harmful products while ensuring businesses comply with consumer protection and pricing regulations.
CPC board chairperson Commissioner Respina Zinyanduko said counterfeiters were increasingly targeting established household brands, with recent enforcement operations uncovering fake Nivea, Shield Sheen and Eversharp products, as well as counterfeit Hullets sugar.
"Recent seizures of counterfeit Hullets sugar and Eversharp pens, as well as fake Nivea and Shield Sheen products, show that even well-known brands are being targeted by counterfeiters," Zinyanduko said.
The Commission has prosecuted 1 615 businesses since January this year, with failure to display prices accounting for 471 cases.
The offence was second only to the sale of expired goods, which resulted in 572 prosecutions.
A further 26 businesses were cited for failing to issue receipts.
Between January and July, the CPC conducted 12 105 inspections, resulting in 1 615 prosecution notices and 925 compliance notices.
Zinyanduko urged consumers to carefully examine products before making purchases, particularly fast-moving consumer goods.
She also warned consumers to be suspicious of familiar brands being sold at unusually low prices or products whose packaging appears slightly different from the original.
Counterfeit products are reportedly being sold through informal markets and night vending operations, with some vendors also operating in busy areas during the day.
The CPC said some retail outlets operating from glass-partitioned shops were also failing to display prices and issue receipts, exposing consumers to potential exploitation.
Consumers have been urged to report suspected counterfeit, expired or illegally repackaged products to the CPC through its toll-free lines on Econet 080 803 23 and NetOne 080 123 01.
The Commission said it was working with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, city health departments, Standards Association of Zimbabwe and manufacturers, including Lobels and the Dairy Board, to combat counterfeiting and smuggling.
Six national enforcement blitzes have been conducted so far this year, targeting counterfeit products, expired goods and improper labelling.
In July alone, 31 cases were referred to other regulatory authorities for further action.
The CPC said the enforcement campaign would continue as authorities seek to protect consumers from potentially harmful products while ensuring businesses comply with consumer protection and pricing regulations.
Source - The Herald
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