FAWU FINDS PILCHARD RECALL A THREAT TO JOB SECURITY

Media Statement: 28 February 2020

FAWU FINDS PILCHARDS RECALL A POTENTIAL THREAT TO JOB SECURITY

The Food and Allied Workers’ Union ( F.A.W.U.) is  disturbed over the recall of several brands  and batches of pilchards that were sold to customers over the last few months, especially since we represent members at fish processors; Lucky Star Operations, West Point Processors, Oranje Vis, Amawandle Pelagic and the issue could have a detrimental effect on the sales of pilchards. At the same time, we commend West Point Processors for acting swiftly as soon as the defect came to light.

While we understand that West Point Processors is doing everything they can in terms of reimbursing suspected batches and reassuring customers of the safety of the product, we demand to know what has led to this canning deficiency so that a similar situation can be prevented in future.

FAWU hopes that our members will not ultimately suffer under the burden of financial losses due this sudden recall as a long- term blanket ban on the product could affect the job security of our members negatively.

We would like to encourage fish processors to sort the issue out with urgency as millions of poor South Africans rely on pilchards as a healthy and affordable source of nutrition.

For more information please call the Deputy General Secretary, Mngomezulu Mayoyo on 082 440 4039 or the Fishing Sector Co-ordinator Zolani Mbanjwa on 082 494 7940.

Released by FAWU media liaison officer , Dominique Martin 082 498 5631.