Following statements in the media on the debate of reworked chicken and the unavailability of a law on expiry date labeling, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) would like to highlight that should consumers suffer harm as a direct result of consuming such products, provisions of the Consumer Protection Act will be applicable with or without expiry date labeling.
The Consumer Protection Act’s primary purpose is to promote the social well being of consumers and prevent their exploitation or harm. “The Act seeks to ensure that marketing practices are fair and responsible and that suppliers, producers and manufacturers are accountable for what they sell,” says Commissioner of the National Consumer Commission, Ms Mamodupi Mohlala.
Section 22 and 24 of the Act talks about consumer’s right to proper disclosure of information, Section 55 about the consumer’s right to safety and good quality and section 61 refers to strict liability across the entire supply chain.
Honest, open and clear disclosure of information cannot be stressed enough and all businesses are encouraged to adhere to the provisions of the Act. “Consumers have to question more, especially where health and safety are concerned,” said Mohlala.
Ms Mohlala further states that misleading advertising, non-disclosure of information and exploitation of vulnerable consumers are serious transgressions in terms of the Consumer Protection Act and steps will be taken once the Act becomes effective. She also reminds suppliers and manufacturers that strict liability provisions are already in force and became effective on 24 April 2010.
Suppliers and service providers will soon be obliged to take consumer complaints about non-disclosure of information and food safety a lot more seriously. “The NCC will also further engage National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) on standards and compliance enforcement and the NCC will be keeping a close eye on these industry practices,” she concluded.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 073 522 6801
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
