The Ministry of Commerce and Investment has defamed the owner of a sweet shop in Makkah. The owner was found guilty of violating the Anti-Commercial Fraud Law by possessing and offering expired foodstuffs and children sweets. This is a clear violation, since it does pose risk on the health and safety of consumers.
A verdict was issued by the criminal court in Makkah, condemning the owner and imposing a fine, confiscation and destruction of the expired items, besides defamation by publishing the ruling in two newspapers at the expense of the defendant.
The Ministry of Commerce and Investment confirms the continuation of addressing those violating the Anti-Commercial Fraud Law by taking stern measures and imposing the legal penalties against them, in view of the fraud and deception towards the consumers. The Rules & Regulations related to Anti-Commercial Fraud Law stipulates penalties that may reach to three-year imprisonment, fines up to one million riyals or both , Defamation in two local newspapers at the expense of the violator, deportation of the illegal labors from the Kingdom, besides the suspension and prevention of practicing the same commercial activity.
MCI calls on all consumers to lodge their complaints or observations through MCI Consumer Call Center (1900), or through the application of a Commercial Violation Report, or via the Ministry's website.