By Varney Dukuly
The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has imposed a fine of US$75, 00.00 (Seventy –Five Thousand United States Dollars) on Abi Jaoudi and Azar Trading Company for violating the Public Health Law of Liberia.
Commerce Minister Wilson Tarpeh said the fine is to be paid in government’s coffer within seventy-two hours, adding that a letter communicating the Ministry’s decision has been delivered to Abi Jaoudi & Azar Trading Company.
Recently the Ministry of Commerce inspection team headed by Josephine Davis discovered that Abi Jaoudi & Azar Trading Company located on Randall Street had in its storage distasteful and expired frozen meat, chickens and other product.
Minister Wilson Tarpeh also noted that after investigation, Abi Jaoudi & Azar Trading Company admitted to keeping product whose expiration, dates as far back as 2016.
He maintained that while the CDC led government stands ready to support private sector investment it will not accept any attempt by businesses to conduct itself in an unlawful manner that threaten the health of the people.
The Commerce Minister has meanwhile indicated that the time for the sale of sub-standard and expired goods in the commerce of Liberia is over.
He also added that the quarantined consignment of expired products in the possession of the Ministry of Commerce will be disposed of shortly by relevantly government agency.