In a sweeping enforcement operation, Suriname’s Economic Control Service (ECD) has uncovered multiple serious violations across supermarket chains, exposing consumers to significant health and financial risks. The comprehensive inspections revealed a pattern of non-compliance with basic consumer protection standards, prompting immediate regulatory action.
The investigation was triggered by a complaint from Wim Bos Verschuur School, where teachers discovered students carrying energy drinks both before and during school hours. During subsequent inspections, a supermarket operator on Boulangerstraat admitted selling energy drinks to minors while claiming ignorance of the prohibition. This establishment, previously cited for selling alcohol to underage customers, faced temporary closure as a consequence.
Among the most concerning findings were expired food products—including cookies, pasta, instant noodles, and spices—discovered on shelves at multiple locations along Pelthoporumlaan, Indira Gandhiweg, Martin Luther Kingweg, and Houttuin Road. While some violations involved isolated items, others revealed entire product categories past their expiration dates, all of which were immediately removed from sale.
The ECD also identified critical labeling deficiencies, with numerous supermarkets selling frozen chicken, fish, and other products lacking essential information such as production dates, origin, storage instructions, or expiration dates. These omissions violate fundamental food safety protocols. Coffee and various other unlabeled food items were similarly removed from circulation. Notably, one supermarket on Anamoestraat demonstrated full compliance with labeling requirements and was permitted to continue operations.
Pricing irregularities emerged as another significant concern. Commonly purchased items including onions, eggs, flour, salt, and brown sugar frequently lacked price tags altogether. In one particularly egregious case, brown beans were priced at SRD 75 without supporting purchase documentation—after recalculation, the correct selling price was determined to be SRD 70. Additionally, numerous stores operated with uncalibrated weighing scales, creating potential for inaccurate measurements and incorrect pricing.
The operation also uncovered unauthorized sales of pharmaceutical products and tobacco. During an inspection along Sir Winston Churchillweg, ECD officials discovered illegal cigarettes and paracetamol being sold without proper licensing. This case has been referred to specialized inspectors for further investigation.
The ECD has called for increased public vigilance and urged citizens to report similar violations promptly, emphasizing that robust consumer protection requires ongoing collaboration between regulators and the community.