A joint police operation in Zamdela, Sasolburg, has uncovered a shocking food safety violation, with seven men arrested for repackaging expired Lucky Star tinned fish.
The raid, conducted late last night by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and crime intelligence units from Zamdela, Sasolburg, and Kliprivier, targeted a factory on Eland Street, Daleside. The operation follows a recent surge in food poisoning incidents across Gauteng, prompting increased scrutiny of food safety practices.
According to SAPS provincial spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, authorities seized a significant quantity of counterfeit canned fish during the raid.
"The police also discovered printing equipment which was used to alter expiry dates on the cans of expired fish packaging," Captain Sibeko stated.
The repackaged fish were being placed in boxes marked 'Woolworths Food,' raising concerns about potential brand impersonation and further deception of consumers.
The seven arrested individuals are all Malawian nationals aged between 18 and 29. The operation's owner remains at large and is the subject of an ongoing manhunt. Captain Sibeko confirmed that charges have been laid against the suspects, including contravention of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act (Act 54 of 1972), Section 17(c), possession of suspected stolen properties, and contravention of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002. They are expected to appear in court soon.
The discovery comes amidst a growing public health crisis in Gauteng. On Sunday, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced a series of measures to address the escalating number of food poisoning cases. He stated that police would be conducting random raids on spaza shops to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
"We've got 441 cases that have been reported across the province," Lesufi said during a joint media briefing.
"Some of the people either were discharged or just showed the symptoms of vomiting, stomach aches and related issues. So, we have got 441 cases that have been followed up by the Department of Health, and among them we have 23 that have passed on."
The gravity of the situation underscores the urgency of addressing food safety concerns and the potential consequences of consuming contaminated food products.
