The Municipality of Funchal (CMF) has opened an internal investigation process against three fruit marketing spaces in the Mercado dos Lavradores, following complaints made to the Markets Division of the CMF, regarding the possible fraudulent sale of fruit, namely the adulteration of fruit with added sugar, and the practice of discretionary and overpricing.”
In a statement sent to local media outlet, JM, the municipality stresses that “Municipal Inspection has worked closely with other entities such as, the Public Security Police (PSP), the Republican National Guard (GNR) and the Regional Authority for Economic Activities (ARAE) , among others, in order to periodically check that all stallholders comply with the rules set down by the Regulation of Municipal Markets of the Municipality of Funchal, and other legal obligations of the concessionaires, so that the Municipal Markets offer the best services possible.” As the complaints have been recurrent, the CMF has now ordered an internal investigation process which could lead to the stallholders being fined or unable to trade.
Concluding, a municipality spokesperson said “that everything is being done to promote and revitalise the island’s municipal markets, in terms of commercial activity as well as preserving and enhancing their cultural and tourism heritage. And as such, especially with the pandemic, the CMF will not allow bad working practices to taint the good name of the Mercado dos Lavradores, and those who strive to provide excellent customer service.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
