The Ministry of Commerce and Investment has defamed the owner of a commercial establishment in Makkah and an Expat of Syrian Nationality, who is managing the Est., for violating the Anti-Commercial Fraud Law by offering and selling expired foodstuffs of unknown origin. This is a clear violation since it many pose risk on the health and safety of consumers .
A verdict was issued by the criminal court in Makkah condemning the violators and imposing a fine on them, also closing the Est., confiscating and destroying the seized items, besides deporting the Expat from the Kingdom and not to be allowed to return for work, in addition to defamation by publishing the verdict in two local newspapers at the expense of the violators.
In details, MCI inspection teams have monitored an Est. specialized in preparing meals, where large quantities of expired foodstuffs, and some of unknown origin, were seized. Accordingly, all the seized quantities were destroyed and the case was referred to the judicial authorities for taking the legal measures.
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.