The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob says South Africans need to make it a habit to buy and eat local foods. He was speaking at the launch of the eat well eat safe eat local campaign at Maponya Mall, Soweto, South of Johannesburg, yesterday.
Davies said in an attempt to make sure that majority of people eat nutritious food, government has introduced regulations that will see to it that maize meal, is fortified. "With the new regulations, by 2016, it will be a necessity for all manufacturers to reduce salt in processed foods."
According to Davies, South African manufactured or packed products should have a Proudly South African label.
‘Products that have a barcode that starts with the numbers 600 are made in South Africa and are likely to be nutritional. South Africans should look out for these products when buying food," added Davies.
The choice of buying locally produced products is for everyone, and it should be a priority.
South African Fruit and Vegetable Canners Association (SAFVCA)'s Jill Atwood said the association is 100% behind the eat well eat safe eat local campaign. "The Pure range products that Bolad Pulp is launching today will bring health and convenience to kitchens. With these products, consumers can still prepare quick nutritious meals."
A successful businessman, Dr Richard Maponya, couldn't find words to thank the dti for launching the campaign at Maponya mall. "I fully support the campaign, and encourage all South Africans, young and old to start eating nutritious food and taking care of themselves. I am still strong because I eat healthy and South Africans should do the same" added Maponya. He wished the launch of the product range well, and said that because the product first launched in Soweto it will do well in the rest of South Africa.
“If we want to make South Africa the best, we need to start supporting South African companies. We need to demand SA products and then there will be more jobs for our people” Chief Executive Officer: Proudly South African, Advocate Leslie Sedibe.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe, Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
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