A recent raid by Gauteng law enforcement on a factory has implicated Woolworths Food in a counterfeit fish operation, although the retailer itself is not under investigation.
Story Summary:
- A raid uncovered counterfeit Lucky Star fish cans stored in Woolworths Food boxes, but Woolworths is not linked to the factory.
- Gauteng has seen a wave of food safety issues, prompting school food sales suspensions.
- Woolworths’ latest earnings report reveals strong sales growth, especially in the Food sector.
Fake Lucky Star fish cans stored in Woolworths Food boxes discovered in raid
According to reports, the joint operation led by Crime Intelligence from Zamdela, Sasolburg, and SAPS Kliprivier targeted a factory on Eland Street, Daleside.
During the raid, authorities discovered a significant quantity of counterfeit Lucky Star fish cans alongside printing equipment used to alter expiration dates.
The counterfeit cans were then packaged in boxes marked as “Woolworths Food.”
Provincial SAPS spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that seven suspects were apprehended for violations under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act and the Immigration Act.
While the case is ongoing, Woolworths Food is not linked to the operation.
“Seven illegal immigrants aged between 18 and 29 years were arrested. The owner of the operation remains at large,” said Sibeko.
The raid comes amid a heightened focus on food safety in Gauteng, where a recent spate of foodborne illnesses has affected more than 200 students this year.
Following a serious incident at Tamaho Primary School in Katlehong, where more than 100 students suffered food poisoning from samp, the Gauteng Department of Education suspended all food sales at schools.
Woolies posts positive numbers in recent earnings report
Amid the counterfeit goods incident, Woolworths recently reported robust growth in its Food division.
According to its trading update for the 18 weeks ending Sunday, 3 November 2024, Woolworths Food sales rose by 12.1%, with a 7.3% increase on a comparable-store basis.
Excluding contributions from new acquisitions like Absolute Pets, the Food segment saw a 9.6% increase in sales.
Price inflation averaged 6.2%, with trading space expanding by 2.0%.
The Woolies Dash delivery service also showed promise, with a sales surge of 54.4%, while online sales for Woolworths Food increased by 36.9% and now account for 6.2% of Food sales.
Additionally, the retailer’s non-food sectors, including Fashion, Beauty, and Home, experienced a 3.5% rise in turnover, reflecting Woolworths’ overall strength in the local market.
