The Nuvem Civic and Consumer Forum (NCCF) has, while expressing concern over the sale of edible items without conforming to packaging standards, urged consumers to exercise utmost caution while buying such products.

At the monthly meeting of the forum held recently, members cited instances where food commodities were sold without displaying manufacturers name, address, date of manufacturing/packaging etc.

“Such commodities when consumed could lead to health related problems, including food poisoning and therefore consumers should be wary while buying such items,” Olencio Fernandes, convenor of NCCF said.

NCCF also made consumers aware of the violations by LPG distributors such as overcharging, issuing unsigned bills instead of computerized billings, not conducting mandatory checks that deny the consumers insurance benefits, etc.

Consumers were also urged to avail of their kerosene quota to prevent misuse of the fuel by unscrupulous dealers. “Many consumers stopped availing their ration of kerosene and this has encouraged the dealers to sell their quantities in the black market at a high price.” Olencio informed.

NCCF also voiced dissatisfaction over not taking the CMZ issue for discussion at the recent assembly session despite forwarding gram Sabha resolutions passed on August 15 and requesting elected MLAs to make their stand clear in the House on the CMZ notification.