Breaking

Following a recent VI Consortium investigation that brought to light rotten produce being sold at the Cost-U-Less wholesaler on St. Croix, the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) says it will conduct its own investigation into the matter, with the department’s Commissioner-designee, Devin Carrington, calling the findings “completely unacceptable” and stating that “there is no reason why our consumers should be treated any differently than consumers on the mainland where this company is headquartered.”

According to Carrington, while Virgin Islands Code assigns the regulation of the quality of food items on store shelves to the Department of Health, Division of Environmental Health, the role of DLCA is to “ensure that a licensee does not allow or permit in the licensed establishment any improper or wrongful behavior of a substantial character and of public concern.”

Rotten cabbage with black decay found at Cost-U-Less

Rotten lettuce with black decay found at Cost-U-Less

“This situation is most certainly wrongful and of public concern,” he continued. “Based on these reports, the department shall do its investigation and take appropriate action against the establishment as provided by law. Where fines are warranted, the licensee shall pay.”

Carrington said he believes consumers are the most powerful in combating “wrongful and improper” acts by businesses, which benefits DLCA, especially at a time when the department is handicapped to conduct investigations “as often as needed” because of personnel shortages. However, he said he would prefer concerned consumers contact the department first when they see bad business practices, although he urged residents to use “all means of publicity available.”

To simplify the process, DLCA will soon be establishing a Facebook page where consumers will be able to post pictures of their experiences to give the department’s inspectors and enforcement officers timely information so that they may take action, Carrington said. Consumers may also email photos and reports to DLCA staff at [email protected].

For more information or to file a report, consumers may visit DLCA offices or call (340) 714-3522 on St. Thomas or (340) 713-3522 on St. Croix.

Ernice Gilbert
I wear many hats, I suppose, but the one which fits me best would be journalism, second to that would be radio personality, thirdly singer/songwriter and down the line. I've been the Editor-In-Chief at my videogames website, Gamesthirst, for over 5 years, writing over 7,000 articles and more than 2 million words. I'm also very passionate about where I live, the United States Virgin Islands, and I'm intent on making it a better place by being resourceful and keeping our leaders honest. VI Consortium was birthed out of said desire, hopefully my efforts bear fruit. Reach me at [email protected].