Some food outlets across the island have been charging increases of up to 56 per cent on the price of counter flour which was officially hiked by 30 per cent earlier this month.

The increase, which was announced by Industry and Commerce Minister, Karl Samuda, took effect on October 15.

Checks made by the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC), this week at food establishments in Montego Bay, St. James, have revealed that in some cases proprietors were selling the commodity for more than the stipulated rate.

At one particular establishment, flour was being sold for $62.25 up from $39.82 per kilogram. Another grocery store also charged $65, up from $45 per kilogram.

CAC involvements

Dorothy Campbell, communications specialist at CAC, said the minister could take action where food establishments are found to be charging exorbitant or excessive prices.

One Corporate Area store operator, who asked for anonymity, sought to justify charging a price above the stated increase.

"For each commodity over-head costs must be factored into the price charged," he said, adding that "we must pay for packaging, the items used for packaging in addition to the cost for transportation."