Elgin Fruit Juice being probed for supplying unsafe goods

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has confirmed it will be investigating the conduct of Western Cape-based company Elgin Fruit Juice (PTY) LTD, in the wake of several recalls of 100% apple juice products.

Just last week, Pioneer Foods announced a recall of several of LiquiFruit’s apple-flavoured juice products. The food giant said an investigation confirmed the presence of elevated levels of a natural toxic substance called patulin in the products. Palutin is a mould toxin found in rotting apples. The recall is based on the presence of patulin exceeding 50 parts per billion (microgram/kg), which is the regulatory threshold.

Apple juice recall

Acting National Consumer Commissioner, Thezi Mabuza says there are reasonable grounds to believe that Elgin Fruit Juice, the supplier of 100% Apple Juice Concentrate, supplied goods that are unsafe or pose a potential risk to the public.

“The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) emphasises that every consumer has a right to receive goods that are safe and of good quality. If the investigation reveals that Elgin Fruit Juice (PTY) LTD contravened the provisions of the CPA, the Commission will refer the matter to the National Consumer Tribunal where we will be praying for an administrative fine of 10% of their total annual turnover or R1 000 000, whichever is the greater”

Acting National Consumer Commissioner, Thezi Mabuza

Mabuza said the investigation will help the NCC understand the nature, causes, extent and degree of the risk to the public.