The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has intensified efforts to combat the sale of counterfeit goods and underweight products, targeting unscrupulous retailers and suppliers.
Kudakwashe Mudereri, the commission’s spokesperson, said the CPC is working closely with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to enforce the Trade Measures Act, ensuring consumer rights are protected.
“We have identified numerous cases of counterfeit products being sold, including essential goods such as rice, corn seeds, and various foodstuffs, as well as clothing,” Mudereri said. “Our investigations show that many of these items are mislabeled, making them appear genuine when they are not.”
The commission’s probe has so far pointed to informal traders in Mbare and small retail outlets as key suppliers of counterfeit goods. However, Mudereri stressed that arresting those responsible for printing fake labels and packaging is critical to addressing the issue at its source.
“We are not only going after the sellers but also the illegal printers and suppliers who facilitate the distribution of these fake goods,” he added.
In addition to counterfeit products, the commission is addressing concerns about underweight groceries, including bread and sugar. Mudereri highlighted that bread sold legally should weigh 700 grams, but CPC inspections have found many loaves to be significantly underweight.
“Bread and sugar are just some of the items we’ve identified as being sold below their legal weight,” Mudereri said. “We are taking swift action against those who shortchange consumers.”
Violators of the Trade Measures Act face fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of their offenses. The CPC has urged the public to report any instances of fraudulent or unfair practices.
“We encourage citizens to report any suspicious activities to the commission so we can act swiftly,” Mudereri said.
