Two days away from Diwali and eight traders are currently under investigation by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission for not complying with the FCCC Act 2010.

FCCC Chief Executive Joel Abraham says a total of 287 traders have been inspection so far with 14 percent found to be breaching the law.

This was identified through a joint Diwali operation between the FCCC and the Consumer Council.

Abraham says a total of 19 traders have been issued with infringement notices while 12 have been verbally warned.

“86 percent are in compliant while there are few elements that have been found breaching. There are issues such as differential in counter and point of sale price and when compared to the shelve price, there are difference in prices that were advertised and prices that were offered in store, prices not marked on goods. There are some selling goods that are not of mentionable quality. Now 8 of them have been signaled aside and they are under active investigations and FCCC expects to lay charges should we find that these traders have been violating.”

Abraham says the FCCC is also closely monitoring the prices of goods that is in demand this festive season such as ghee, semolina and sultana to name a few.

As Diwali preparation continues, Abraham warns traders to carry out their businesses operations ethically or be prepared to face strict enforcement actions.

The joint operations will continue post Diwali.