The Consumer Council is warning the public to be vigilant when buying goods from the flood affected areas in the Western Division.

Officer in Charge, Bindula Devi, says some unscrupulous traders will be taking advantage of vulnerable consumers by selling goods that have been damaged due to flooding and power outages.

Devi says traders tend to immediately have a sale on products, especially, electrical items following a flood.

The Council is urging traders in affected areas to be ethical and responsible by destroying all food items and meat that have been affected by flood waters or power cuts.

The Council is requesting consumers to report any incidents of thawed or rotten food, meat, dairy or other products, to the Council and Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission or the Ministry of Health Food and Safety Unit.