A recent joint operation in Gauteng has removed hundreds of mislabelled honey-based syrups from store shelves. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen praised the effort to protect consumers from misleading and potentially harmful products.
Widespread honey seizures in these areas
The Directorate: Inspection Services (D: IS), a unit within the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), spearheaded the operation, targeting wholesalers across Gauteng. With assistance from the South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Illicit and Counterfeit Goods Unit, the team inspected locations in Johannesburg, Pretoria, and surrounding areas.
From 25 to 29 November, authorities seized 1059 “honey-based” syrups and 388 honey products deemed non-compliant with marking regulations under the Agricultural Products Standards Act (APS). Two wholesalers received R1500 fines for stocking the misleading products.
Health concerns for vulnerable communities
The Minister warned that mislabelled products pose a serious health risk, particularly for vulnerable groups.
“The main concern with incorrect labeling, misleading information and quality of these products is that consumers buy them thinking they are buying a product that is beneficial to their health, when in fact it may compromise their health,” he noted.
Steenhuisen said the importance of accurate labeling is allowing consumers to make informed decisions. The APS Act requires agricultural products to meet specific quality and marking standards to ensure public safety.
National rollout planned
Following the operation’s success in Gauteng, Steenhuisen announced plans to extend these efforts to other provinces. He encouraged the public to report mislabelled products, stressing the importance of collaboration in addressing the issue.
Consumers can report concerns to Billy Malose Makhafola, Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance, at (012) 319 6535 or via email at BillyM@nda.agric.za.
Should stricter regulations be enforced to protect consumers from mislabelled food products?
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