The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has launched
an investigation into the conduct of Grandisync CC, the supplier of Howe
Instant Noodles based in Kariega. This investigation follows allegations of
three children who died in the Eastern Cape, allegedly after consuming Howe 2 Minute
noodles.
Acting National Consumer Commissioner, Thezi Mabuza,
said that based on the information provided to the Commission by other
regulators and the supplier, the NCC has reasonable suspicion to believe that
Grandisync CC supplied unsafe goods or goods that posed a potential risk to the
public.
She said that while the Commission is awaiting laboratory results, this
investigation will help the Commission understand the nature, causes, extent
and degree of the risk to the public. “Consumer safety is at the heart of
the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). Should our investigation reveal that indeed Grandisnyc
CC contravened the provisions of the Act, we will refer the matter to the
National Consumer Tribunal for the imposition of an administrative fine of 10%
of their total annual turnover or R1 000 000, whichever is the greater,”
Mabuza explained.
“As regulators in the food safety environment, we will get to the
bottom of this matter to ensure that those liable are held accountable. We urge
consumers to practice good food hygiene. Suppliers are obligated to protect
consumers; where there are potential hazards, suppliers are required to
inform the relevant regulators and consumers,” she added.
