Reports of ‘fake’ foods and counterfeit products rocked the country in 2023, with many consumers claiming that their products weren’t the real thing – and the National Department of Health (DOH) admitting that investigations into food-related cases have been launched.

Informal stores have been given some of the blame for the problem, with unregistered stores selling expired goods soon closed.

Are counterfeit foods and products a problem of the past for 2024, and how can South Africans know that the food they’re buying is safe from being faked?

 

Here’s more about the height of the problem, and what investigations for the year behind us have shown.

IS FAKE FOOD A PROBLEM OF THE PAST FOR 2024?
Counterfeit products and ‘fake food’ were in the news for the year that’s behind us, including reports of stores closed down for selling products that hadn’t kept up with health and safety standards.

‘Fake’ foods may not have passed safety standards, and might not be up to the quality standards that the original manufacturer demands.

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Facilities that these products are purported to have been produced in, might also have not kept up with safety standards.

If you suspect counterfeit products or foods, you are advised to make a report and query the manufacturer.

REPORTING ‘FAKE FOOD’ AND COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTS
If you suspect that a product is fake or counterfeit, you are advised to report it to Crimestop, according to the SAPS website.

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Foods can also be reported to the manufacturer for investigation, who will usually ask for important details about the product – like the batch number, and where you bought the product.

The problem of counterfeit products can only become a thing of the past when people are able to make adequate reports.

ARE YOUR PRODUCTS ‘FAKE’?
If you suspect that a product might be fake, counterfeit, or expired, don’t use it – and make sure that others in the household don’t accidentally do the same.

Counterfeit products can be dangerous, and an investigation can be important to find out if the product is real (or not).

SEND US YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS STORY
What do you think about South Africa’s counterfeit goods and foods problem? Send us your thoughts on this story at info@thesouthafrican.com – we love hearing what you think!