Starting next January, the Consumer Affairs Commission will (CAC) publish a weekly survey of basic grocery items, to aid consumers in making informed decisions.

This project will last for three months and is expected to be conducted in all parishes, beginning with the Corporate Area and St Catherine.

The CAC's decision to pilot the project stemmed from escalating food prices and harsh economic conditions.

"The survey indicated significant variances between prices at these outlets," said Angella Smith, economist/analyst at the CAC.

"Consumers will be able to see the brands of products, prices and the locations that these basic products are available."

The CAC conducted a test run in yesterday's Gleaner under the banner 'Survey of Grocery Items'. The data for the publication were collected on December 11, 12 and 15.

From the information provided, it was gleaned that the cost for the Eve brand of corned beef at the Empire Supermarket in Cross Roads was $144.00 compared to $169.33 at MegaMart, a difference of $25.33.

Greater disparities

Even greater disparities were identified with other products that were being sold by one supermarket chain at different locations. In one instance, Lasco Step 1 Infant Formula was being sold for $418.26 at the Duhaney Park Shoppers Fair, while the Harbour View Shopper's Fair was selling the same product for $325.92, a difference of $92.34.

All prices displayed in the survey are inclusive of tax where applicable, and the lowest prices will be highlighted in green.

Smith indicated that the project was also an effort to get the distributive and retail traders to roll back prices on basic commodities.

"If they fail to do so it will impact negatively on their business. We implore consumers to shop around and compare prices on consumer items," she said.

Weekly, consumers can expect to find prices on canned products including corned beef, mackerel and sardines. Also, comparative prices will be available for other goods, such as dried salt fish; whole chicken; powdered whole milk; sweetened condensed milk; infant formula; margarine; cooking oil; dark sugar; rice; cornmeal; counter flour; eggs and red peas, among others.

Nu-Pak, Grace, Eve, Lasco, Geddes, Nestlé are some of the brands that will be included in the survey.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com