Consumer commission to probe meat labelling

The National Consumer Commission will probe the incorrect labelling of meat products, acting government spokesperson Phumla Williams has said.

Briefing the media following Cabinet’s fortnightly Wednesday meeting, she said the executive had noted reports creating alarm and panic on the incorrect labelling of such products.

The Consumer Protection Act set out general standards for marketing goods and services, she said.

“It stipulates that parties in the supply chain must not market any goods or services in a manner that is likely to imply false or misleading representation concerning those goods and services.”

As a result of the research findings of a study group at Stellenbosch University, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies had asked the National Consumer Commission to conduct an urgent investigation into the matter.

“This is because this matter may have far and wide-ranging implications and impact on the broader consumer public,” Williams said.

According to the study, goat, water buffalo and donkey meat have been found in food products including sausages, dried meats, burger patties, and mince.

“In other cases, even undeclared plant matter was detected,” the university said on its news blog.

“The study found that anything from soya, donkey, goat and water buffalo were to be found in up to 68% of the 139 minced meats, burger patties, deli meats, sausages and dried meats that were tested.”

- Sapa