A. M. 400 verifications and a worrying 33% of irregularities have set off the alarms of the Defensoría del Consumidor in El Salvador during the Easter Week season. The institution, committed to protect the rights of salvadorans, has deployed a national plan of inspections to ensure that stores, restaurants, and tourist destinations comply with the regulations. Under the direction of Ricardo Salazar, controls have been intensified in key points of the country, such as Multiplaza in Antiguo Cuscatlán.
Thirty-three percent of the verified businesses show some level of non-compliance, which is of particular concern in sensitive sectors such as supermarkets, cheese shops and sausage companies. The Defensoría del Consumidor has detected more than 70 improperly calibrated scales, which directly affects the consumer’s pocket, as they could be paying more for less product. These anomalies are already being prosecuted and could result in fines of up to 200 minimum wages.
The situation becomes even more serious with the discovery of 10 establishments offering expired products, including restaurants, hotel kitchens and supermarkets. Expired products such as bread, sauces, carbonated beverages, salads, and even alcoholic beverages were found, representing a health risk for consumers.
In total, 150 expired products have been identified so far this vacation season, 100 of them found in kitchens where food is prepared for the public. This situation has motivated a reinforcement of inspections, especially in places where food that will be consumed directly is handled.
The Defensoría del Consumidor reiterates its commitment to watch over the rights of citizens, strengthening its controls during this high season. The authorities urge consumers to report any anomaly and remind them that their welfare and economy are a national priority.
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