South Africa: Recalled pilchards was exported to neighbouring countries, says NRCS

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South Africa: Recalled pilchards was exported to neighbouring countries, says NRCS

10:20 CAT | 27 Feb 2020

For illustration purposes only. [Photo: Cape Talk]

The canned pilchards at the centre of a widespread recall was distributed outside South Africa’s borders, the regulator has confirmed.

The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) says the compromised product was exported to other countries, including Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland and even Nigeria.

All wholesalers, retailers and informal traders have been instructed to remove the recalled pilchards from their shelves, reports EWN’s Veronica Makhoali.

Manufacturer and food supplier West Food Processors recalled 400 gram tins of pilchards in tomato sauce over the weekend.

The product has been recalled due to a “canning deficiency” that could result in food poisoning.

According to the manufacturer, the affected brands are Cape Point, Saldanha, Shoprite Ritebrand, Checkers Housebrand, U-brand and OK Housebrand.

General manager at Food and Associated Industries Meisie Katz says the cans were scratched by the machine while it was being filled with sauce.

Katz has told journalists that authorities are still trying to verify the extent of the risk.

“We’ve just heard from the general manager of Foods and Associated Industries Meisie Katz who states that this product has even reached our SADC region.

“Essentially, the can was damaged during the process where the sauce-filler began to scratch the can.

“This caused a reaction with the food and the metal over time.”

Manufacturer left National Consumer Commission in the dark

At the same time, National Consumer Commission (NCC) says West Point Processors failed to inform it about the recall as per regulations.

The commission’s Prudence Moilwa says the manufacturer’s failure to inform the NCC early could affect their ability to mitigate the risk to consumers.

“The Commission is still waiting for the formal notification [from West Point Processors].

“Our legal team is watching very closely.

“When there is a recall, all manufacturers are duty-bound to work with the Commission by way of notifying us.”