Expert Reveals How Baku Supermarkets Deceive Customers

Attractive sales and discounts in stores often draw in customers looking to save money. However, behind low prices there may be an unpleasant surprise - expired products. According to surveys, many consumers regularly face this problem.

Eyub Huseynov, chairman of the Free Consumers Union (FCU) of Azerbaijan, confirms that complaints about the sale of expired goods are received constantly. He notes that store owners face a minimum fine of 1,500 manats for having such products. According to him, expired goods are usually removed from stores and returned to the distributor, who in turn sends them back to the manufacturer. However, manufacturers often simply change the packaging or label and send the goods back for sale.

"This vicious cycle needs to be broken. Dozens of tons of expired goods should be disposed of daily, but unfortunately, this is not happening yet," Huseynov emphasized.

Nutrition expert Seymur Gafarov notes that in international practice, products that expire within 14 days are removed from sale. He emphasizes that large retail chains and wholesale centers should conduct internal inspections to prevent expired goods from appearing on shelves.

In Azerbaijan, this issue is regulated by Article 17.2 of the Law "On Food Safety," which requires providing consumers with complete information about the product, including its composition, expiration date, storage conditions, and manufacturer information.

More details about this problem - in the Xəzər Xəbər report.