Proudly SA calls for wider food probe

Cape Town - Proudly South African on Sunday called on the authorities to launch a wider investigation into the labelling and packaging of products sold to South African consumers.

Proudly SA, which campaigns to promote South African companies, products and services which help create jobs and economic growth in the country, said the mislabelling of meat products is the tip of the iceberg and extends into other industries.

"We believe authorities must extend the investigation beyond meat products and take a holistic approach to correct labelling and packaging so we don't end up with toxic or inferior products which can harm consumers," Proudly SA CEO Adv. Leslie Sedibe, said in a statement.

Proudly SA also encouraged consumers to familiarise themselves with labelling and advertising legislation as well as the Consumer Protection Act.

"The law around proper labelling is clear and it exists to empower consumers to make an informed decision when they buy goods. However, consumers can only be empowered if they familiarise themselves with the law... and their rights," said Sedibe.

Incorrect labelling or packaging of products does not only pose a health risk, but there are also cultural, religious and safety implications.

"The importance of proper labelling needs to be reinforced and those found to be contravening the laws need to be brought to book."

Sedibe said apart from labels having to correctly indicate the contents of a product, retailers are also obliged by law to ensure that all products - whether manufactured locally or imported - have a Country of Origin Label sewn, printed or securely attached to them.

"Contravention is punishable by a fine or even imprisonment. Consumers have a right to know the contents as well as the origin of anything they buy," said Sedibe.