Acodeco in Panama Warns that Selling Expired Products Remains the Most Common Offense Found
An Acodeco official conducts an inspection of a commercial establishment. Acodeco described the persistence of these practices as worrying, despite the seizures, destruction of merchandise and sanctions applied.
Panama City: The Consumer Protection and Competition Authority (Acodeco) reported that the sale of products with expired expiration dates continues to be the most frequent irregularity in the country’s businesses. During 2025, the inspection operations allowed the seizure of 182,726 expired items, a figure that represents an increase of 19,743 products compared to the previous year (162,983 in 2024). The seized items include food, medicine, and hygiene products, all of which pose a risk to consumer health.
Acodeco described the persistence of these practices as worrying, despite seizures, destruction of merchandise, and sanctions imposed. The agency urged merchants to maintain rigorous inventory control and promptly remove products nearing their expiration date. Furthermore, he reminded everyone that no importer, distributor, or supplier can alter, hide, or modify essential information on the labeling, such as expiration date, composition, origin, weight, or price.
Acodeco Seizes Expired Products Above
Other irregularities detected
- Products with no visible expiration date.
- Illegible dates or double price marking.
- Spoiled food.
- Lack of prices visible to the consumer.
Recommendations
- Paying attention to labeling information is essential. The expiration date—which must appear on the packaging—is crucial for choosing products with better quality and freshness.
- Not only food and medicines must have an expiration date, but also products made with chemical components, such as cosmetics, paints, household cleaning products and personal hygiene items (detergents, chlorine, deodorants, toothpaste, among others).
- Maintain a vigilant attitude towards the increase in expired products on the market, and be especially careful with promotional offers, such as “2 for 1”, as in some cases they may be used to try to get rid of merchandise that is about to expire.
- Check the expiration date and, if it is not visible or has erasures, smudges, double dates or overlapping labels, it is best to refrain from purchasing the product.
Related note: Acodeco recommends that consumers demand their invoices and warranties
Consumers can report anomalies through Sindi (WhatsApp/Telegram 6330-3333), the official social networks @AcodecoPma (Facebook and X), or the institutional website.
