UAE fines Americana fast food company for price increase

The UAE Ministry of Economy has fined Kuwaiti food company Americana AED 10,000 (US$ 2,725) for increasing its fast food prices, despite previous warnings from the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection. The Ministry has promised to pursue stiffer penalties if the food company continues to disobey government mandate.

The penalty was imposed after representatives of the Consumer Protection Department visited an Americana fast food outlet and confirmed consumer complaints that the company had raised its prices. The Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection had already recently denied the request of Americana to raise the prices of its fast food products, currently served in 150 restaurants across the United Arab Emirates.

The Ministry of Economy said it remains vigilant in protecting local consumers. It recently penalized 41 retail outlets for increasing prices during Ramadan. Its Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection also recently rejected plans to raise the prices of fast food meals, rice and cement.