Seven undocumented migrants were arrested in Gauteng following a police raid on a factory that exposed a scheme to rebrand expired Lucky Star canned fish.
Police reported that workers were altering expiry dates and repackaging these expired products, which were relabeled as “Woolworths Food” in an attempt to deceive consumers.
The arrests took place on 11 November during a joint operation by Crime Intelligence and SAPS Kliprivier in Daleside, Vereeniging.
The factory owner remains at large, while the detained suspects, aged between 18 and 29, await their court appearance on multiple charges.
Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, Gauteng’s provincial police spokesperson, confirmed that charges include breaches of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, as well as the Immigration Act.
Printing equipment used to falsify the expiry dates was also seized on-site.
This incident has raised concerns about the safety risks of expired foods being repackaged and marketed as fresh.
Recent reports have linked expired or counterfeit foods in Gauteng to cases of food-borne illnesses, some of which have been fatal.
Health officials warn that consuming such products, particularly expired canned fish, can lead to severe health problems.
Communities are calling for accountability, especially with increasing cases of foodborne illnesses affecting children in Gauteng.
Reports of expired goods being sold in townships have prompted health authorities to intensify their scrutiny of local stores and spaza shops.
Following the raid, additional cases were opened as authorities seized counterfeit Lucky Star pilchards and related packaging materials, with an ongoing commitment to trace the sources and hold all parties responsible.
This case is part of a broader trend. Last year, two foreign nationals were also arrested in Johannesburg for manufacturing counterfeit potato chips.
Authorities uncovered discrepancies in the packaging, including missing regulatory certifications, which led to arrests for immigration violations and unauthorised food production.
The police are continuing their search for the Daleside factory owner to prevent further distribution of expired foods.
Meanwhile, authorities encourage consumers to carefully check expiry dates and store sources, particularly in areas prone to counterfeit goods.
Vigilant communities and strict law enforcement are crucial in addressing the persistent issue of expired food sales in Gauteng.
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