Taking action: Commissioner wants an end to acid-washed ginger

KARACHI:

Commissioner Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui has directed the relevant officers to take strict action against traders and shopkeepers selling acid-washed ginger.

Siddiqui directed the officials to ensure transparency in the auctioning process at the vegetable market so that the prices for vegetables and fruits are not inflated artificially. He held separate meetings on this with all deputy commissioners and vegetable market traders.

It was decided in the meeting with traders that the prices ascertained through auctions not held openly will not be included in the list of the market committee. The decision came as a result of reports claiming that certain vegetables, such as potatoes, onions, coriander and mint, are not being auctioned fairly.

Siddiqui directed all deputy commissioners to show no leniency towards profiteers and ensure that shopkeepers display the government rate lists prominently.

It was also decided in the meeting that consumers’ rights organisations should spread awareness among citizens regarding the hazards of acid-washed ginger and to avoid it at all costs. Siddiqui directed all the deputy commissioners to confiscate acid-washed ginger and take action against the shopkeepers selling it. The bureau of supply was ordered to cancel the notice of compliance of bachat bazaars where acid-washed ginger is sold.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 24^th, 2014.