CGSO Steps Up Efforts to Tackle Sale of Expired Goods in South Africa

Amid rising complaints regarding expired food items, the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud (CGSO) in South Africa has issued an urgent call to the public, encouraging consumers to diligently check the expiry dates on food products before purchasing. This advisory seeks to bolster efforts to reduce the prevalence of out-of-date items being sold, particularly in urban retail outlets where the incidences have been particularly high.

The warning from the CGSO comes in direct response to a significant number of grievances received from disgruntled consumers who have unwittingly bought expired products. The CGSO, which serves as a watchdog for consumer goods and services, has backed the National Consumer Commission's (NCC) campaign aimed at eradicating the sale of such products nationwide.

Queen Munyai, the Chief Executive Officer of the CGSO, highlighted that rural consumers are at greater risk due to limited shopping alternatives and a lack of awareness about their rights. These vulnerabilities can lead to rural populations being disproportionately affected by deceitful retail practices, including the alteration of expiry information on packaging. Practices such as covering up 'Best Before' dates with stickers or intentionally making the expiry dates illegible are among the deceitful tactics that endanger consumer health and contravene the Consumer Protection Act.

The CGSO is not only committed to ensuring supplier accountability and compliance with regulations but also strives to educate consumers about their rights. Understanding the Consumer Protection Act's provisions is vital for all South Africans to defend themselves against unethical trade conduct and make informed purchasing decisions.

As part of this educational drive, the CGSO has communicated the gravity of these violations and has emphasized that such practices will not be tolerated. Suppliers found flouting the laws by selling expired goods can face serious legal consequences. Consumers are encouraged to report any such incidents to the CGSO to facilitate investigations and action against errant retailers.

Furthermore, the organisation emphasizes that responsible consumption practices, such as checking expiry dates, can help protect individual health while also sending a strong message to the retail sector about consumer expectations for quality and transparency. The CGSTATS call-to-action serves as a reminder that consumer vigilance plays a crucial role in the larger framework of product safety and consumer rights in South Africa.