As families across Fiji shop for Diwali, religious idols
are among the most important purchases. The Consumer Council
of Fiji is urging consumers to be vigilant, ask questions
about what an idol is actually made of before paying, and is
calling on retailers to describe products
accurately.
The call comes following observations that
shoppers may be receiving incomplete or questionable
information about what they are buying. In many instances,
products described as “marble” may contain marble dust
mixed with resin or other materials, making clear disclosure
essential.
During the Council’s snap survey, a
salesperson at one store described an idol as “100% marble,”
which was being sold at a very high price. Its weight and
feel, however, raised doubts about that claim and suggested
it could be made of a mixed material. Of all the retailers
observed, only one clearly disclosed on its product
labelling that the idol was made of a polyresin and marble
composite. At other stores, consumers had to lift the idols
and check the labels underneath to identify the materials
used, highlighting a lack of clear and visible product
information.
This lack of clear disclosure can make it
difficult for consumers to determine exactly what they are
paying for. While the appearance of an idol may resemble
marble, consumers should not have to rely on assumptions or
make further inquiries to establish its actual composition.
Clear product information is particularly important when
making expensive purchases, where consumers expect the
product to match the description provided by the
retailer.
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The Consumer Council of Fiji Chief Executive
Officer, Ms Seema Shandil, said consumers should be able to
make informed choices based on accurate information rather
than assumptions about a product’s
composition.
“Consumers shopping for Diwali should
look beyond the appearance of an idol and establish what it
is actually made of,” said Ms Shandil. “If an idol is
marketed as marble, buyers should ask whether it is solid
natural marble, marble dust, or a combination of materials.
Where that information is not clearly disclosed, they should
seek clarification before
paying.”
