Following a directive from the Attorney General's chambers to return, donate or dispose of any remaining ALDI products it has in stock, Morris Hedstrom Supermarkets has since disposed and returned $340,000 worth of ALDI products.
The investigation carried out by the Department of Fair Trading and Consumer Affairs into the alleged illegal sale of unauthorized ALDI products by MH supermarkets has now concluded.
The Attorney General and Minister for Commerce Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said ALDI confirmed during the course of investigation that they do not permit bulk sale of their products for re-sale purposes as the products are exclusive to their stores.
This was also confirmed by ALDI toFijivillage News when we had earlier investigated the matter.
Sayed-Khaiyum has now warned MH to refrain from such conduct as they will now be closely monitored by the Department with the assistance from the Consumer Council of Fiji.
He said that any repeat of such actions in future may possibly lead to prosecution since government stands will protect consumers from unscrupulous behavior by traders.
Sayed Khaiyum also urged consumers to pay attention to product labels and the condition of goods when shopping especially with the festive season just around the corner.
MH Group General Manager Senaka Amarsingha confirmed that after being given the directive, MH has disposed of all Aldi products and the matter now rests.
The Attorney Generals chambers confirmed that on September 4th, MH returned to their suppliers two container loads of ALDI products, worth approximately $310,000.
And again on 17th September, the Department Officials witnessed disposal of approximately $30,000 worth of damaged and expired ALDI products.
The disposal was done at the Naboro Landfill.
Story by: Roneel Lal
