Quality campaign protects consumers

Efforts to provide a safe and sound environment for consumers have been beefed up with around 8,500 consumer rights protection spots established citywide, Shanghai's market watchdog said on Friday. 

A "business integrity, supreme quality" campaign launched in October last year involves 32 authorities in the city and 15 key areas such as e-commerce, tourism, transport and finance, according to the Shanghai Industry and Commerce Administration. 

In Xuhui District, business information has been made public via display screens at department stores, and the net weight of food ingredients has been marked on menus at larger restaurants. An evaluation system covering the removal of substandard products, dispute handling and consumer rights infringement compensation at department stores has been established. 

In Qingpu District, a bilingual consumer rights spot has been established at the National Exhibition and Convention Center to ensure a quick response to disputes during the China International Import Expo. 

Four sightseeing vehicles at tourist attractions in Fengxian District have been converted into consumer rights vehicles and they go on patrol to ensure disputes are handled quickly. 

With consumer rights protection spots have been set up at venues such as neighborhood (village) committees, markets, department stores, tourist attractions and schools over the past year, 402,700 complaints and tips-off from consumers have been dealt with, retrieving economic losses totaling 69.91 million yuan (US$10.12 million), according to the administration.  

A total of 1,220 violation cases over product quality and consumer rights protection have been investigated, with about 22.52 million yuan in fines or confiscations.