The Easter season is marked by joy and family celebrations in homes in the Federal District, with traditional fish and chocolate eggs. However, it is necessary to pay attention to products and consumer rights so that the moment of celebration is not hampered by headaches due to problems with the purchased goods.
According to Marcelo Nascimento, president of the Consumer Protection and Defense Foundation (Procon-DF), one of the main precautions that the consumer needs to adopt when buying a chocolate egg or fish for lunch is paying attention to the conditions under which the establishment leaves typical Easter products.
“Eggs and fish are sensitive products, so consumers need to pay attention to conservation details. If the eggs are not being stored in a place with a strong odor, exposure to heat or solar radiation, the ideal temperature is 18°C”, he highlighted.
As he explained, there cannot be the presence of flies and insects in any of the products, especially in markets and outside stores specializing in these types of products.
The caveat is also for purchasing chocolate eggs that are sold by street vendors, normally at cheaper prices than those offered in other stores and markets. According to the president of Procon-DF, this strategy of paying less could be dangerous for your health.
“We don’t know where the eggs came from, how they were transported, how they were stored, whether they were exposed during the day with temperature variations. We advise you not to buy from street vendors as much as possible so as not to have a headache later,” he highlighted.
Information on packaging
In both egg and fish packaging, it is important for the consumer to pay attention to the expiration date and weight of the item, to understand the policy of the establishment selling and, eventually, choose one type of product over another. of higher value.
As for the surprise gifts that are inside some chocolate eggs, Marcelo explains that the toys must have the seal of the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro), indicating that the product has undergone tests and been approved by the institution inspection and quality control.
“You need to indicate the age range, a warning if it could cause any problems for the child or teenager [com recomendações específicas] when there are small parts, there are assembly instructions in Portuguese, and a warning informing whether that product has any allergenic ingredients on the label”, said Marcelo.
Service channels
In case of any problems with the purchased goods, consumers can contact Procon.
To do this, the customer can make a complaint from home using the new Procon tool, on the agency’s website www.procon.df.gov.br or on the website www.consumidor.gov.br.
Procon also has 10 service units spread across the Federal District, where consumers can complain and request more information about their rights.
