There has been news about the sale of large quantities of smuggled goods to local supermarkets to be put on shelves for consumers. For the safety and health of consumers, Consumer Council calls on the supermarket retail industry to pay attention to the sources of their goods and assure the quality of their goods are safe. The Council has already sent out letters to notify its 'Certified Shops' under the supermarkets industry that they must operate in accordance with the law of Macao SAR and pay attention to the procurement of goods. Should any 'Certified Shop' is found to be involved in any illegal acts, its entitlement to the 'Certified Shop' emblem will be suspended for up to six months, and the shop will be disqualified from the annual evaluation. According to the investigation of Macao Customs, large quantities of smuggled wine and food have been sold to almost 47 local supermarkets, including supermarket chains, to be put on shelves. Consumer Council indicates that smuggling is illegal in Macao, and the Council expresses concerns on the safety and quality of these products. To ensure the health and safety of consumers, the Council immediately notifies over 120 supermarket and grocery stores under its 'Certified Shop' mechanism and reminds them to operate according to the 'Code of Practice' for their industry and the law of Macao SAR. All involved supermarkets and grocery stores should make sure the sources of their goods are legal, and monitor the quality and hygienic condition of their goods, etc. The Council has also contacted Macao Customs to investigate whether any 'Certified Shops' are involved. The Council indicates that any 'Certified Shop' involving in any illegal acts will be penalized according to the law. In case of an administrative offense, the business' entitlement to the 'Certified Shop' emblem will be suspended for up to six months, and 20 points will be deducted from the annual evaluation. In case of a criminal offense, the business' entitlement to the 'Certified Shop' emblem will be suspended and only be qualified for reconsideration into the mechanism after three years. The Council adds that the deduction of points will affect the assessment scores and the entitlement to the emblem in the coming year. Other businesses which do not belong to the 'Certified Shops' mechanism are also reminded to pay attention to the sources of goods and whether they are legally imported or not. Consumer Council will provide all necessary support to its 'Certified Shops', including the provision of timely information on food/product safety and training programs. Together with Macao Customs, the Council held a lecture this August on the protection of consumer rights and intellectual property, supermarkets and drugstores were reminded of the importance of monitoring their procurement process and to operate according to the law. For inquiry, please call the Council at 8988 9315.
