The Tribunal found there was no scientific or laboratory evidence showing that the maize meal was defective or contaminated
Image: Sami Aksu | Pexels
The National Consumer Tribunal has dismissed an application by Isaac Sokhabase to pursue a dispute directly before it after the National Consumer Commission declined to refer the matter.
Sokhabase approached the Tribunal following the Commission’s issuance of a non-referral notice. The complaint related to his purchase of a 10kg bag of maize meal at Check Save (Pty) Ltd’s Bridge City Mall outlet in September 2023.
He alleged that he became ill after consuming the product, reporting symptoms including night sweats, headaches and stomach problems. Sokhabase also claimed he later discovered insects and larvae in the maize meal and questioned the integrity of the expiry date.
He sought compensation of R7.6 million.
Check Save acknowledged the sale but disputed liability. The retailer noted that the maize meal had not been returned for laboratory testing and that a refund had been offered and accepted.
In evaluating the request for leave to refer the dispute under the Consumer Protection Act, the Tribunal considered both the merits and whether it had jurisdiction to grant the relief sought.
While accepting that Sokhabase became ill, the Tribunal found there was no scientific or laboratory evidence showing that the maize meal was defective or contaminated. No test results were submitted, and the medical reports provided did not establish a causal connection between the illness and the product.
The Tribunal further stated that it is not authorised to award damages for personal injury, pain, suffering, or consequential loss.
The application was dismissed, with no order as to costs.
The ruling comes amid a series of recalls and safety alerts issued by the National Consumer Commission since the start of 2026.
Over recent months, the Commission has published warnings spanning multiple industries, covering products ranging from electric vehicles and heavy-duty trucks to everyday food items.
In early February 2026, ButtaNutt peanut butter was recalled after testing detected aflatoxin levels exceeding regulatory limits. The toxin, produced by certain fungi, is associated with liver damage.
The recall followed January’s withdrawal of NAN Special Pro HA infant formula due to potential Cereulide toxins, which are linked to rapid-onset food poisoning symptoms, including nausea and vomiting.
In both cases, contamination was traced to raw materials sourced from third-party suppliers rather than faults arising during final manufacturing.
Commission data indicated that affected retail stock was removed from shelves, although online sales continued to present enforcement challenges. As of 10 February, desktop checks showed close to 100 units of the recalled peanut butter still listed across digital marketplaces.
The automotive sector has also faced multiple recalls.
In January 2026, a seat-sliding defect affecting 209 MG3 vehicles prompted a safety campaign. During the same month, Hino recalled units from its 700 Series trucks over a fuel pump housing crack that could result in leaks.
Volvo issued a recall for 372 EX30 vehicles due to battery overheating risks.
These actions followed several late-2025 recalls involving models from Ford, Jeep and Kia.
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