Today marks the anniversary when former US president John Kennedy in 1962 gave an address to Congress, in which he formally addressed the issue of consumer rights.

In his declaration, Kennedy said consumers by definition, included us all. They are the largest economic group affecting and affected by almost every public and private economic decision. Yet they are the only important group whose views are often not heard.

The former president also declared four basic consumer rights: safety, information, choice and the right to be heard.

Consumers International has added four more: right to satisfaction of basic needs, right of redress, right to education and right to a healthy environment.

This year’s theme is Healthy Diets and the need to create more awareness among consumers to make healthy food choices.

Consumer booklets by the MCCAA.

Consumer Affairs Minister Helena Dalli stressed the right of every individual to access information on food that would help them buy more wisely and healthily. Dalli emphasised how consumers had the responsibility to educate themselves on food consumed and read nutritional information before buying.

The minister launched a new booklet entitled Int Konsumatur: Dawn Huma d-Drittijiet Tiegħek, featuring information on consumers’ rights when shopping and also practical examples of situations we face during our shopping experiences, such as when we purchase a package holiday, buy goods during sales, are informed about guarantees and the use of credit notes and gift vouchers.

Dr Dalli also said that the seventh issue of L-Għażla magazine has been published and would be distributed to households.

The minister then launched the Consumer Friendly Award, which recognises and awards traders who provide a good service and who try to build a good relationship with consumers.

Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority chairman Marcel Pizzuto said consumers should be properly informed about their rights.Office for Consumer Affairs director general Joyce Borg talked about the importance of healthy and nutritious food for the well- being of consumers. She also said families should properly plan their budget so they can live a healthy lifestyle.

Prizes were then presented to students who participated in competitions organised by the Office for Consumer Affairs in the Sagħtar and L-Għażla magazines.

odette.vella@mccaa.org.mt

Odette Vella is senior information officer, Office for Consumer Affairs, Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority.