In West Panama, the Regional Administration of the Consumer Protection and Competition Defense Authority (Acodeco) has once again raised the alarm after finding more than 10,653 irregularities in various commercial establishments. This is a direct blow to the wallets and the trust of people who go out to buy their daily products.
According to the entity, these irregularities have come to light during both routine inspections and citizen complaints, revealing a growing problem on the shelves of the different shopping centers in the West region.
In its latest report, the agency details that it found a total of 8,097 expired products. Additionally, 2,214 products were found without a visible price, 169 were damaged, 159 had no expiration date, and 14 had an illegible date. Furthermore, 15 businesses were fined for failing to comply with price controls on several of the 13 regulated products. The total amount amounts to $4,375.00, money that could have been avoided if basic rules were respected.
It is worth recalling that in recent operations alongside the Ministry of Health, more than 400 products were confiscated, some in a state of decomposition. Three commercial establishments were caught improperly using the subsidized 25-pound gas cylinder.
On the other hand, health authorities ordered the temporary closure of more than three businesses due to unsanitary conditions. This is in addition to fines for price control failures and products without visible prices.
The Acodeco of West Panama reiterated that it will remain firm in the streets, enforcing what is mandated by Law 45 of 2007 to protect consumers.
