The National Consumer Commission (NCC) joined market monitoring inspections in Pretoria West, Gauteng Province, on 5 February 2025, in collaboration with Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from the City of Tshwane Municipal Health Services as well as the Hercules South African Police Services (SAPS). This operation follows alleged three (3) foodborne illness cases in Pretoria West that occurred in late January 2025. Hercules SAPS and EHPs in the area had already swiftly closed the implicated spaza shop, and this operation extended to other suppliers.
The inspections in the area revealed widespread non-compliance, particularly the following concerns:
- Goods, including eggs being sold with long past date markings (sell-by, use-by and best before);
- Severely damaged packaging of instant baby cereal / formula and cereal for adults;
- Sweets not disclosing colourants and flavourings;
- No date markings on foodstuffs and beverage products marketed to kids including Sherbert Powder, Drink-o-pop Powder and Noodles;
- No date markings, product labelling and trade description on decanted / repackaged foodstuffs, including spices;
- Volumes of Atchar had no product label and trade description at all;
- Dented canned foods; and
- Illegal pesticides.
Consumers are urged to avoid purchasing food products without date markings (best before / use by dates), expired foods as well as foods with defective packaging. These food products have the potential of causing harm and compromising the health of consumers. Equally, suppliers of goods and services must comply with the CPA or risk facing penalties.
The NCC acting Commissioner, Mr. Hardin Ratshisusu, stated: “The NCC is concerned of identified cases of foodborne illness in Pretoria West. It was therefore crucial for the NCC to join this operation to ensure that this matter receives urgent attention.”
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Issued by: National Consumer Commission (NCC)
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