The Consumer Council of Fiji (CCoF) is calling for a cease in the sale of lamb flaps after it was discovered during routine market surveillance that most retailers had the notion that the ban was no longer in force.
A statement from the council, called for a halt on the sale of lamb flaps in supermarkets, butchers and other meat retailers to stop as the sale of lamb flaps was illegal in Fiji.
It was stated that there had been no provisions made in the relevant laws which permitted the retail of this product to consumers.
Chief executive officer Seema Shandil said this particular ban was enforced as lamb flaps were discarded parts of the lamb which were not healthy for consumers.
“The council is disappointed that this product has made its way back into our market despite legal provisions in place prohibiting it,” she said.
The council said it had promptly informed the Ministry of Health and Medical Services about the sale of lamb flaps for enforcement action and to ensure the product was removed by retailers immediately.
Butchers and other meat retailers were urged to do the right thing and ensure self-compliance by immediately removing and discarding lamb flaps from their freezers without the need for enforcement actions.
The sale of lamb flaps was banned in Fiji via “Legal Notice No. 14 of 2000 Order Prohibiting the Supply of Lamb Flaps” issued under “Fair Trading Decree 1992”.
The council stated while the Fair Trading Decree 1992 was repealed in 2010 by “Commerce Commission Decree – No. 49 of 2010”, Section 162 of Decree No. 49 of 2010 stated that any orders or subsidiary legislation made under repealed acts or decrees were still in force.
This clearly meant the legal notice banning the sale and importation of lamb flaps was still in effect. Lamb flaps were said to be prepared from the underbelly of sheep, which contained up to 50 per cent fat.
The council encouraged consumers to be vigilant and be mindful when out buying meat, particularly during this festive period, and to be aware of their rights as a consumer.
Consumers who come across retailers selling lamb flaps were urged to contact the council on toll-free number 155 or lodge a complaint using the Consumer Council of Fiji mobile app or email complaints@consumersfiji.org.
