A multimillion-rand scam has been uncovered in which expired food products have been sold from the shelves of major supermarkets, Dispatch Online reported on Friday.
The scheme has been run for years by an East London food distributor, operating out of a back-street warehouse in Quigney, East London.
On Thursday, police swooped on the warehouse as the Daily Dispatch was preparing its expose on the scam for print.
In a month-long undercover probe, the newspaper collected extensive evidence. This included hidden video-camera footage showing how women were hired to remove and tamper with food products’ expiry dates so they could be resold to supermarkets.
Among the products were well-known international brands including Heinz, Bokomo and Cadbury.
In terms of normal industry practice, expired food products have to be removed from shelves and destroyed. This is done to protect the wellbeing of consumers and the reputation of the brands.
The tampering scam potentially breached consumer-protection laws and can also be considered fraud, the Dispatch reported.
Among outlets that had admitted to buying such products were a number of local Spar franchises as well as Exclusively Frozen, both in East London and Port Elizabeth.
Investigators commissioned by top food manufacturers travelled to East London after the Dispatch approached the companies for comment.
Major food manufacturers, including conglomerates such as the Tiger Brands group, Pioneer and Bokomo Foods unanimously condemned the scheme.
The company behind the scam denied any wrongdoing, describing its operations as a public service for consumers.
It reportedly said: ”The bottom-line is, this is an opportunity to people who normally cannot afford to, to buy the products at a fraction of the costs.” — Sapa