The Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA) has launched a nationwide awareness campaign to combat the alarming rise of counterfeit and illicit food products in South Africa. Titled “Checka daai ding, Reka Makoya!” the initiative aims to transform consumers from passive buyers into vigilant participants in the fight against food fraud.
The campaign comes in response to a growing crisis where counterfeit goods have not only led to widespread illness but have also tragically resulted in fatalities, including among children. With an emphasis on education and active participation, CGCSA hopes to empower consumers to identify and reject counterfeit products, thereby protecting their communities and promoting safer markets.
Zinhle Tyikwe, CEO of CGCSA, highlighted the campaign’s objectives, stating, “We want to educate the public on the dangers of food fraud and illicit products. We can restore trust in locally manufactured and legitimately imported goods by providing key information on what to look for while shopping.”
The CGCSA has established a toll-free hotline, 0800 014 856, encouraging the public to report any suspicious activities related to selling counterfeit or expired goods. Tyikwe noted increased calls to the hotline, primarily concerning reports of expired products being sold, underlining the urgent need for community vigilance.
In collaboration with brand owners, the CGCSA also promotes using approved barcodes through GS1 South Africa to ensure product authenticity. Products manufactured in South Africa typically carry barcodes starting with “600,” but Tyikwe clarified that not all products bearing different prefixes are counterfeit. “We aim to educate consumers on barcode significance to help them make informed choices,” she added.
A key feature of the campaign is the launch of the MyCGCSA App, designed to help consumers verify the authenticity of products they purchase from various markets, including informal vendors. The app will alert users to potentially counterfeit items and encourage them to report any concerns. So far, over 300 law enforcement officers and environmental health professionals have been trained to use the app effectively, enhancing the integrity of the food supply chain.
CGCSA’s commitment to consumer safety extends to advocating for a more coordinated approach to food safety regulations. Tyikwe emphasized the importance of establishing a single agency to oversee food safety, stating, “This is critical for addressing the public health risks associated with counterfeit food products, which have recently escalated into a national security issue.”
CGCSA invites the public to participate by downloading the MyCGCSA App and reporting illicit or suspicious products through their hotline as the campaign rolls out. Together, they hope to create a safer environment for all consumers and uphold the integrity of the food supply chain.
For more information, visit [www.cgcsa.co.za](http://www.cgcsa.co.za).
About the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa:
The CGCSA is an industry association representing over 9,000 member companies in the Consumer Goods, Retail, and Services sectors, contributing to South Africa’s economy and employment. The council aims to be the leading platform for advocacy, collaboration, and best practices across Africa’s consumer goods industry.
