The National Consumer Commission (NCC) is currently investigating Elgin Fruit Juice (PTY) LTD as the source of the recent recall of apple juice, which has also been identified as the supplier of the 100% apple juice concentrate.
Coca-Cola SA was the first brand that raised an alarm in September when they recalled more than 37 000 cases of Appletiser products. A few weeks later, LiquiFruit and Ceres also announced a recall of certain apple juices, while Woolworths is the latest company that recalled its 200ml branded apple juice cartons.
Also read: Coca-Cola South Africa recalls Appletiser due to contamination concerns
National Consumer Commissioner, Thezi Mabuza said that based on the evidence provided, they have reason to believe that Elgin Fruit Juice did, in fact, supply unsafe goods or goods that posed a potential risk to the public, reports EWN.
According to TimesLive, Mabuza confirmed that the investigation will focus on trying to understanding the nature, causes, extent and degree of the risk to customers.
The commission will ask the National Consumer Tribunal for an administrative fine of 10% of their yearly turnover or R1 million if the investigation concludes that Elgin Fruit Juice did, indeed, contravene the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA).
Meanwhile, any Ceres Apple Juice that was produced between June 14 – 30, 2021 have all been recalled from six Comesa markets, including Kenya, for suspected high mycotoxin levels, reports The Stars. The Comesa Competition Commission confirmed in a notice on Wednesday that Pioneer Foods is recalling certain batches of Ceres 100% Apple Juice.
Picture: Coca-Cola South Africa