WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao currently has no centralized local website where consumers can check whether products have been recalled because of health or safety concerns, according to Fundashon pa Konsumidó (Consumers Foundation).
The consumer organization raised the issue following discussions with the Health Inspectorate about product safety and labeling requirements on the island.
According to Health Inspector Lee, when an international product recall affects an item available in Curaçao, the Health Inspectorate contacts the local importer and checks what measures are being taken.
However, not every recall results in a public warning to consumers.
Products can be removed from store shelves in consultation with importers or retailers without consumers being separately informed that a recall has taken place.
This means that consumers currently do not have a single Curaçao-based online source where they can independently check whether a product they purchased has been subject to a safety recall.
According to Fundashon pa Konsumidó, the intention is for more product-safety information to eventually become available through the Health Inspectorate’s website. However, that service is not yet operational.
The consumer organization considers access to such information important, particularly as Curaçao imports a wide range of products from international markets.
Customs currently provides the first level of control for imported products entering the island. If Customs identifies irregularities or questions the safety of an imported product, the matter is referred to the Health Inspectorate.
When further investigation determines that a product is unsafe, authorities can prevent it from being imported into Curaçao.
Fundashon pa Konsumidó says it will continue cooperating with the Health Inspectorate on consumer protection issues.
Until more centralized product-safety information becomes available, the organization advises consumers to carefully examine product labels and instructions and to seek additional information whenever they have doubts about the safety or proper use of an item.