Consumers urged to exercise caution when purchasing food items

The National Consumer Commission(NCC) has urged consumers to be vigilant when purchasing goods, particularly food items, following recent inspections in the Western Cape, specifically in the Cape metro.

The NCC said it visited 38 suppliers of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods in the city centre, Ottery, Mitchell’s Plain, Durbanville/Kraaifontein and Milnerton area, and found a number of violations of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA).

PICTURE: Pixabay

These include the failure to display prices, suppliers not issuing sales records or invoices (or issuing non-compliant ones) and suppliers refusal to provide refunds or returns on goods. It also uncovered that there was an absence of trade descriptions on certain products (“on bullfrogs and worms’ meat”) and that expired products were being sold.

NCC Acting Commissioner, Hardin Ratshisusu, reminds consumers to always keep an eye out on expiry dates and ensure that products meet quality standards.

‘’Consumers are reminded that their health comes first. Date markings are a primary indicator of the quality of foods and consumers are urged to exercise caution as these items have the potential of causing harm and may compromise their health.’’

“The Consumer Protection Act expressly safeguards the rights of consumers to safe and good quality goods. As we continue with these joint inspections, we call upon consumers to be aware of the potential impact of consuming foods where manufacturers’ guarantee of optimal quality is no longer in place. These foods have the potential to cause harm to the health of vulnerable consumers,’’ he added.

 

Done by: Mitchum George