CAA denies reports on salt price fixing

Colombo, June 29 (Daily Mirror) - The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has categorically denied recent media reports claiming that a maximum retail price for salt was agreed upon during a discussion between the CAA and the Salt Manufacturers Association.

CAA Chairman clarified that no such discussion took place between the Authority and the Salt Manufacturers Association. He explained that it was the Consumer Affairs Council which functions independently from the CAA that had convened a meeting with the Salt Manufacturers Association to gather their views on possibly imposing a maximum retail price for salt.

“If the Consumer Affairs Council decides to set a maximum retail price after considering the concerns raised in that meeting, the Council will officially communicate the decision to the CAA,” he said. He further added that only then would the Authority proceed to issue a gazette notification with the approved prices.

The Chairman also stressed that the reports claiming the Salt Manufacturers Association had proposed prices which were subsequently accepted by the CAA are entirely false.

In addition, the CAA warned that some importers and manufacturers have begun releasing salt products into the market without clearly labeling the importer's or manufacturer's details or the retail price. The Authority stated that legal action will be taken against such violations and urged all traders to refrain from selling or purchasing such unregulated products.

The CAA also reminded all traders to retain proper invoices that accurately state the names and prices of the suppliers. Possession of goods without valid documentation will also be subject to legal action, the Authority warned.