Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has praised a joint operation to remove incorrectly labelled ‘honey-based’ syrup products from Gauteng stores.

The operation, conducted by the Directorate: Inspection Services within the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, targeted products flagged by an increasing number of national complaints.

Gauteng was the first province where the directorate collaborated with the SAPS’ Provincial Illicit and Counterfeit Goods Unit.

Wholesalers in Crown Mines, Kempton Park, Laudium, and Marabastad were inspected. From November 25 to 29, the team seized 1 059 ‘honey-based’ syrups and 388 honey products, which did not comply with marking requirements. Two wholesalers received R1 500 fines each for non-compliance.

Other provinces to be inspected

Steenhuisen stated that the operation will expand to other provinces to ensure consumers receive quality products. He warned of health risks posed by mislabeled products, especially to vulnerable communities with conditions such as diabetes.

“The main concern with incorrect labelling, misleading information, and the quality of these products is that consumers buy them thinking they are beneficial to their health, when in fact they may compromise their health,” Steenhuisen said.

The Directorate: Inspection Services enforces agricultural product standards under the Agricultural Product Standards Act 119 of 1990. The act regulates product quality and marking, ensuring compliance with minimum requirements at the point of sale.

“Prescribed marking requirements in these regulations are there for the protection of consumers, providing them with accurate and relevant information to make sound decisions,” the minister added.

Steenhuisen urged consumers to report incorrectly labelled food products to Billy Malose Makhafola, the director: Food safety and quality assurance, at 012 319 6535 or via email at BillyM@nda.agric.za. – SAnews.gov.za