Acting Cabinet spokeswoman Phumla Williams said at a post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday (28 February) that the investigation was prompted because the issue "may have far and wide-ranging implications and impact on the broader consumer".
The minister's action arose out of the research findings of a study group at the University of Stellenbosch which found donkey, water buffalo and goat were present in sampled products.
Section 29 of the Consumer Protection Act sets out the general standards for marketing goods and services and stipulates that parties in the supply chain must not market any goods or services in a manner that is likely to imply a false or misleading representation about them.
National Consumer Commission acting commissioner Ebrahim Mohamed said all stages of the supply chain could be held responsible for incorrect labelling and all would be subjected to the investigation. However‚ the commission would probably start with the retail industry.
He said the screening committee of the commission would decide on the scope of the investigation at a meeting on Thursday (28 February) and the probe would begin immediately thereafter. He also noted that offenders could be ordered by the commission to comply by a certain deadline and if they failed to do so‚ a compliance notice could be issued. Again‚ if there is a failure to comply‚ the National Consumer Tribunal can impose administrative penalties.
The tribunal is also empowered to declare a particular type of conduct a prohibited practice‚ which entitles consumers to claim redress against offenders.
Mohamed said the commission hoped to finish the investigation as soon as possible.
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