Mountain village store fined $20 million for selling over 1,500 expired products

A commercial establishment in the Patagonian tourist village of Villa Traful faces a hefty fine of nearly $20 million Argentine pesos for selling over 1,500 expired products. Neuquén's consumer protection agency imposed the penalty after inspectors discovered a wide array of expired goods, from dry goods and juices to processed meats and infant formula.

The discovery included items several months past their sell-by dates, with one product's expiration dating back to October 2024. The presence of expired infant formula particularly alarmed authorities due to the vulnerability of babies and young children.

The agency cited violations of national consumer protection laws, emphasizing the store's duty to ensure product safety and prevent health risks. This was not the first offense; the store had been previously sanctioned for identical irregularities, a factor that significantly contributed to the large fine.

Given Villa Traful's remote mountain location and limited shopping options, this store serves as a crucial supplier for both residents and the year-round tourist influx. Provincial authorities have pledged to continue commercial inspections across the region to prevent unsafe products from reaching consumers.

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The presence of infant formulas out of date generated deep concern among local authorities because they are intended for babies and children, a particularly vulnerable sector of the population.