Proconsumidor announced the retaining of hundreds of 5-gallon water bottles for improper storage. The consumer defense agency had given the stores and water vending outlets and water companies several months to provide adequate storage for the product.
Pro Consumidor announced the beginning of a widespread crackdown on businesses selling bottled water exposed to direct sunlight. The agency’s director, Eddy Alcántara said on Monday, 2 December 2024 that inspectors had been deployed across the country to enforce regulations aimed at protecting public health.
In raids conducted in major cities including Santo Domingo, Santiago, La Vega, San Pedro de Macorís, La Romana, and San Cristóbal, inspectors found numerous stores selling bottled water that had been left unprotected from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. These bottles were immediately removed from shelves due to the potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated water.
Alcántara emphasized that while many businesses have already taken steps to comply with the regulations, the agency will continue its enforcement efforts to ensure that all vendors adhere to the law. “Our goal is to eliminate this harmful practice of exposing bottled water to sunlight,” he stated.
According to Alcántara, the deadline for businesses to comply with the regulations expired on 1 December 2024. Those found in violation face fines of one to two minimum wages and the confiscation of non-compliant products.
The agency is acting pursuant to Law 358-05, which outlines the regulations governing the sale of bottled water in the Dominican Republic. Pro Consumidor is urging consumers to be vigilant and report any instances of non-compliance to their local authorities.
Read more in Spanish:
Proconsumidor
3 December 2024