Cape Town - Stellenbosch University researchers have received threats arising out of the meat-labelling scandal.
The fallout has caused major problems for academic researchers in South Africa, says Harris Steinman, co-author of the study.
Steinman, the director of Food and Allergy Consulting and Testing Services (FACTS) at Stellenbosch University, was reluctant to go into detail, saying only: “We have received legal threats from companies based on the research.”
The study, published in February, revealed that much of the meat sold in supermarkets contained meat other than that specified on the label. Some of the country’s top retailers had been implicated in the scandal.
Steinman said some Stellenbosch University researchers were now reluctant to continue with their studies, fearing that companies could sue them or the university for loss of earnings, among other charges.
“This has made it very difficult for researchers trying to test consumer-related issues in the country. Due to the legal threats, it will be left to only those who are brave enough to do it.”
He said the study had never been intended for the retailers to be identified. But chains including Shoprite and Pick n Pay were fingered after Media24 used the Promotion of Access to Information Act to gain access to the Stellenbosch study results.
Pick n Pay has stated that some of the details of the research report were not accurate.
“We believe ongoing research is critical… however, no donkey, water buffalo, horse or goat was found in any of our products,” said spokeswoman Tamra Veley. “We have not heard anything about the legal threats.”
The Shoprite Group has distanced itself from Steinman’s report of threats.
“The Shoprite Group has no knowledge of any company which may or may not have lodged legal threats against the researchers and has no comment on the matter,” said spokeswoman Sarita van Wyk.
The Fruit and Veg City Group has also distanced itself from the threats.
“We have definitely never threatened any legal action and have gone to great lengths to be respectful to FACTS, which conducted the product analysis, and grateful that they agreed to give us the test results,” said managing director Brian Coppin.
Imraahn Ismail-Mukaddam of Consumer Fair said that whoever was threatening the researchers was “acting contrary to the interests of the consumer”.
The organisation has called for criminal charges to be laid.
A three-month investigation is being conducted by the portfolio committees of health, agriculture, and trade and industry.
Cape Argus