dinero_admin The Defensoría del Consumidor removed more than 200 expired products from the market during the August holidays in El Salvador, as part of an inspection operation aimed at ensuring consumer health and rights. According to the institution’s president, Ricardo Salazar, 60% of these products were found in restaurant kitchens and dining rooms, areas that consumers cannot directly supervise.
Since the start of the holiday season on july 31, the Defensoría del Consumidor has conducted 250 inspections, identifying eight cases of expired products being sold. Of these businesses, four are in the central region of the country and the others are in different parts of the country. The inspections are part of the implementation of the Holiday Plan.
Salazar described it as “concerning” that expired products were found primarily in areas not visible to consumers, posing a high health risk. The eliminated items include meats, sausages, dairy products, baked goods, flours, cookies, candy, jellies, jams, carbonated and alcoholic beverages, among others.
At the same time, the institution activated new verification operations in the country’s main municipalities, which are experiencing a high influx of visitors during the celebrations in honor of the Divine Savior of the World. In addition to reviewing product quality, the Defensoría del Consumidor (DC) verifies compliance with prices, promotions, labeling, and the absence of misleading advertising.
The plan also includes the installation of mobile consumer service centers, where advice and information are provided, and complaints related to irregularities in the purchase of goods or services are received. These actions seek to ensure that consumer rights are fully respected during the festivities.
The Defensoría del Consumidor reiterates its commitment to effective consumer protection by enforcing the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law, especially about the sale of expired products, visible prices, clear and truthful promotions, and responsible advertising.
