Muscat: In a shocking disregard to safety and health of motorists, three auto parts shops in Al Dhahirah Governorate and another one in Barka were found selling fake engine filters and coloured water as coolant in the guise of branded products. In a statement on Monday, Consumer Protection Authority said, “The Department of Consumer Protection in Al Dhahirah Governorate charged three shops after they were caught tampering with vehicle engine filters by placing counterfeit filters in boxes meant to contain well-known brands.”
The investigation revealed over 4,559 empty packages ready to be filled with fake products, exposing the deceptive practices of some unscrupulous traders.
Malik bin Suleiman al Maamari, Judicial Control Officer of CPA in Al Dhahirah Governorate, said, “These stores have been found filling motor oil with unidentified origin into boxes of reputed brands.”
“This kind of deception tricks consumers. Necessary legal actions have been taken, and charges have been issued.”
The diligent efforts of the CPA’s officers resulted in the successful apprehension of these fraudulent shops. This operation is part of the authority’s broader campaign to monitor shops and combat practices that pose a threat to consumer health and safety.
Hisham bin Yahya al Fazari, Judicial Enforcement Officer of CPA in Al Batinah South Governorate , shed light on another finding made during the investigation. “We checked over 4,559 empty packages. We uncovered an unlicensed commercial establishment involved in the production of adulterated vehicle engine coolant in Barka.”
Further investigations found fake anti-corrosion products for vehicles. The product was found to be non-compliant with the required specifications and lacked the necessary licensing from the relevant authorities.
Imad bin Ahmed al Zadjali, another Judicial Enforcement Officer, revealed details about the manufacturing process of the adulterated coolant.
He stated, “A group of expatriate workers produced this adulterated anti-corrosion coolant, which is essentially plain water coloured with red, green, and orange substances. The product carries expiry date seals and contains a sticker displaying information that deceives consumers into believing it is an anti-corrosion coolant.”All products were confiscated for violating Article 7 of the Protection Law, which prohibits the trading and advertising of adulterated, corrupted, imitated, or unauthorised commodities.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
