Now then they respond, as usual push all the blame to
retailers.
288 cases of sold food products that did not comply with labeling
requirements in 2006
By Julia Ng, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 30 January 2007 2054
hrs
SINGAPORE: The Consumers Association of Singapore is advising
consumers to watch what you eat, literally.
Last year, there were 288 cases of food labeling infringements,
according to figures from the Agri-Food and Veterinary
Authority.
This is an increase of 33 percent over the previous year.
CASE says it receives 3 to 5 complaints every year from consumers
who believe they're not getting what they paid for.
Most of the complaints were about hawkers who sold thawed frozen
pork as fresh meat.
The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority, which conducts regular
surveillance at retail outlets, says label infringements are mostly
found on pre-packed processed food sold in retail outlets.
The offenders are mostly importers and retailers.
They were fined between $300 and $1,000.
"Usually the labeling infringement comprises the country of origin
which is not mentioned in the label, or it has misleading
information, or health claims. These are not allowed in food
labels. eg the label may reduce the cholesterol level, or claims
that doctors strongly recommend this product," said Ong Swee Seng,
Head, Pre-Marketing Surveillance, Agri-Food and Veterinary
Authority. - CNA /dt
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/255625/1/.html
