In a concerning turn of events, Woolworths recently discovered counterfeit Lucky Star pilchards being sold in their branded boxes. The situation became even more serious when authorities arrested seven undocumented migrants in Gauteng who were caught repackaging fake and expired products.
Woolworths’ Statement on the Incident
Woolworths has shared their initial findings, suggesting these counterfeit products might have come from a batch that didn’t pass their quality checks. As Sarah Mitchell, a Woolworths spokesperson, explains, “We take food safety very seriously, and we’re deeply concerned about this situation. Our customers’ health is our top priority.”
“Every product on our shelves goes through strict quality control measures. This incident has shown us where we need to be even more vigilant.” – Woolworths Quality Assurance Team
Details of the Investigation
The company is currently looking into how these products made their way into circulation. According to their standard procedures, their supplier should have collected and properly disposed of any rejected stock. Woolworths has also brought in an independent investigation team to get to the bottom of this issue.
The Police’s Role in the Case
The Gauteng police made a significant breakthrough when they discovered workers changing expiry dates on fake Lucky Star products. They found:
- Counterfeit cans
- Printing equipment used for changing dates
- Materials used for repackaging
The police are now investigating possible violations of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act.
Implications for Woolworths and its Customers
Woolworths wants to remind everyone that the safest way to buy their products is through their stores or official online shopping platforms. They’re being open about the situation and keeping customers informed about their food safety measures.
The Factory’s Owner and the Ongoing Investigation
The fake products were being repackaged in a factory in southern Johannesburg. While the police have arrested several workers, the factory owner hasn’t been found yet. The police are following several leads to track them down.
Woolworths’ Measures to Prevent Future Incidents
Moving forward, Woolworths is:
- Making their internal processes stronger
- Working more closely with suppliers
- Adding extra quality control checks
- Improving their product disposal tracking
Broader Context: Food Safety and Consumer Protection in South Africa
This incident isn’t happening in isolation. South Africa has seen several food safety concerns recently, including:
- Various foodborne illness outbreaks
- Multiple spaza shop closures due to food safety issues
- Increased reports of counterfeit food products
“If you notice anything unusual about your Woolworths products, please contact our customer service team immediately.” – Woolworths Customer Care