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Written by The University of Stellenbosch led South African meat scandal report will finally reveal the names of the retailers involved.
In a report where the missing information was as scandalous as the scam it revealed the University has succumbed to pressure to release the names of the retailers involved in the scandal that rocked South African consumers.
The University of Stellenbosch told Business Day it would comply with the request by the forum and Media 24 despite the wishes of researchers to keep the information confidential.
The researchers who compiled the report said the purpose of the study was not to “name and shame” meat processors and retailers.
Senior research and innovation director Therina Theron said:
For these reasons, the sources of the test subjects were not put into the public domain by the researchers.
However, unfortunately the recent requests for this information received under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) leave Stellenbosch University with no alternative but to make the detailed information available.
The researchers position is at odds with the very essence of the study itself, while Prof. Louw says that the study “confirms that the mislabelling of processed meats is commonplace in South Africa and not only violates food labelling regulations, but also poses economic, religious, ethical and health impacts” he is not willing to take any steps to protect South African consumers but opted to protect the retailers instead.
The same applies to Dr. Hawthorn, one of the lead researches, who believes that entire local meat industry needs to take more responsibility in complying with relevant regulations.
The meat industry’s failure to provide vital information on products may not only decrease consumer confidence in their organisations, but also in the meat industry as a whole.
I do not believe that the current penalties issued for non-compliance are sufficient to deter fraudulent practices
And yet despite this opinion is not willing to take any responsibility and release the information that is vital to imposing any penalties on the culprits never mind increasing them.
Failure to provide vital information with regards to the report can only decrease consumer confidence in the report itself at the same time damaging the South African meat industry while not giving them any recourse to take action against the perpetrators.
The researchers stand point that the objective was not to name and shame is wholly irrelevant and naive, showing contempt for South African consumers.
What they have essentially done is stoked the fire, then ran off without telling anyone where the fire is.
In the meantime consumers continue to be victims of mislabelling and exposed to meat that has been slaughtered without any controls or oversight whatsoever. There are no government approved abattoirs for the slaughter of donkeys.
