Food safety alert: 45 shops busted for selling expired food & violating several consumer protection laws

Nationwide inspections by the National Consumer Commission (NCC) have revealed that several shops are violating key provisions under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). 

The NCC recently took action against 45 suppliers who sold expired or unlabelled food items like meat, dairy, eggs, and noodles. 

In some cases, food had no expiry dates at all, thereby endangering consumer health.

Inspectors also discovered that some shops, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas, failed to display prices on everyday items like sugar, canned food, and soup. 

Others were not issuing proper receipts or maintaining sale records, making it difficult for customers to track their purchases. 

According to the Commission, these issues breach regulations designed to ensure product safety, honest labelling, and fair pricing.

The 45 shops have been ordered to remove unsafe goods, fix their labelling, show clear prices, and issue correct receipts.

If they fail to comply, they could face fines of up to R1 million or 10% of their yearly income.

"Food safety remains our top priority. This enforcement is part of targeted action to stem the sale of unsafe products to unsuspecting consumers. The NCC will continue collaboration with other regulators to ensure compliance with the CPA and related legislation," said Acting Commissioner at the NCC, Hardin Ratshisusu.

Click here for the list of the 45 non-compliant suppliers.