Cape Talk Radio interviewed ASC Public Health and Food Safety Consultants to discuss the dangers of “fake” food in South Africa.
The interview laid out the concept of food fraud, the types of food fraud we may encounter in our daily lives as consumers, and how we can mitigate and be vigilant regarding food fraud.
The interview explained food fraud as a deliberate act to mislead consumers for financial gain. There are different kinds of food fraud, such as dilution, where business owners dilute the original content of a given product, and concealment, which involves the addition of unauthorised substances to achieve desired characteristics, although the health of the consumers is jeopardised. Mthokozisi Nkosi provided an example of dried grass being added to tea bags as part of a common act of food fraud.
The interview closed by providing mitigation strategies and promoting consumer vigilance. Mthokozisi suggested that retailers audit their suppliers to check the authenticity of the processes and compliance.
Conversely, consumers must always ensure that they buy from reputable suppliers and check for expiry dates before purchasing to safeguard their health.
Media Outlet: Cape Talk
ASC Public Health and Food Safety Specialist Interviewed: Mthokozisi Nkosi
Date: 16 October 2024
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Key facts
- In a Cape Talk radio interview on 16 October 2024, ASC Public Health and Food Safety Specialist Mthokozisi Nkosi discussed the dangers of 'fake' food in South Africa.
- Food fraud is defined in the interview as a deliberate act to mislead consumers for financial gain.
- Two common types of food fraud are highlighted: dilution (reducing the original product content) and concealment (adding unauthorised substances that can compromise consumer health).
- An example given is dried grass being added to tea bags as a common act of food fraud.
- Retailers are advised to audit their suppliers to verify the authenticity of processes and compliance.
- Consumers are advised to buy from reputable suppliers and check expiry dates before purchasing to safeguard their health.
Frequently asked questions
What is food fraud?
Food fraud is a deliberate act to mislead consumers for financial gain, according to ASC's Public Health and Food Safety Specialist in the Cape Talk interview. It typically involves tampering with a product's contents or misrepresenting what is being sold. This can put consumer health at risk.
What are common types of food fraud in South Africa?
The interview highlights two common types: dilution and concealment. Dilution involves reducing the original product content, while concealment involves adding unauthorised substances to a product, which can compromise consumer health. An example given is dried grass being added to tea bags.
How can consumers protect themselves from fake food?
Consumers should buy from reputable suppliers and check expiry dates before purchasing to safeguard their health, as advised in the interview. Choosing trusted sources reduces the risk of buying fraudulent or unsafe products. These simple checks help protect against the dangers of fake food.
What can retailers do to prevent food fraud?
Retailers should audit their suppliers to check the authenticity of the processes and compliance, according to the ASC specialist. Verifying that suppliers follow legitimate, compliant processes helps ensure the products sold to consumers are genuine and safe.
Who from ASC discussed fake food on Cape Talk radio?
Mthokozisi Nkosi, ASC's Public Health and Food Safety Specialist, was interviewed on Cape Talk radio. The interview took place on 16 October 2024 and covered the dangers of 'fake' food in South Africa, including how food fraud works and how to guard against it.