Mérida, Yucatán — Profeco agents are not giving up consumer protection for Lent.
The federal agency has initiated a special surveillance operation that will last the entire season, which last until Thursday, March 29, said the local Profeco delegate, José Antonio Nevaras Cervera.
Agents will monitor the fish market stalls in the markets to verify that the scales are accurate, and that prices are posted for everything that’s on sale.
Restaurants will also be watched to protect consumers from price gouging.
This time of year, demand rises for fish fillets, octopus, shrimp and other seafood that might replace food a diner has given up for Lent. Observant Christians abstain from eating meat on Fridays at this time of year.
Demand for chicken and egg also increases, but merchants aren’t allowed to raise prices without justification, and prices must be clearly posted.
The public is welcome to report abuses to Profeco for them to investigate as long as the infraction is at an established business, and not street vendors.
