Face fines if goods are not tagged, UAQ shops warned

Sellers, suppliers in UAQ told to show complete adherence to prices agreed upon. - Supplied photo

The Economic Development Department in Umm Al Quwain has warned 55 shops for failing to fix and tag the goods on sale and for price hikes.
Warning letters have been issued during intensive inspection raids on the vegetables and fruits market as well as the fish market Umm Al Quwain.
Juma Jassim Ahmed, head of the consumer protection section at the department, said all sellers and suppliers in the Emirate must show complete adherence to the fixed prices and conditions earlier agreed upon. "All shops and outlets here have been repetitively alerted to fix and never increase prices of the goods on sale. Or else, hefty fines and tougher penalties shall be enforced."
It is also necessary for all outlets to tag or mention the prices of these goods as well as their production and expiry dates in a clear way so that customers are aware of the price of the goods, he added.
"The 55 shops issued warning letters include 40 in Umm Al Quwain market and 15 at Salma Market." He added that the consumer protection section he chairs recently received several complaints about unreasonable hikes.
"Some residents affirmed that certain shops fail to fix prices of goods, and that has been affirmed by our staff inspectors."
Ahmed said field reports show that some goods are offered on sale at Salma Market at an increased price of Dh2 or more as compared to prices in the Umm Al Quwain Market.
"There is no reason for any hike because all fruits and vegetables are available in large amounts in both markets." All vegetables and fruit sellers have been instructed to provide the bill to consumers, he underlined. "Customers have been asked to keep these bills so that the section can verify any price hike in case of any complaints."
Ahmed has urged the public to report any violation they come through to the department on Shaikh Ahmed Al Mualla road. "We are also reachable by mail at uaqecon@uaqecon.ae. Tel number are: mobile 050-1583999; landline 06-7652200, and fax 06 7653322."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com