Consumer Protection

This Pillar has been selected for purposes of the Project because consumers are often unaware of, or even misled or deceived by Corporations, including within the animal agriculture industry as to where their food comes from. This can include misinformation relating to anything from methods of production to the subjective feelings of animals. By asking Corporations questions and for specific information such as their Public Statements about animal welfare or even the environment, we aim to interrogate whether they are being transparent and accountable to their consumers and members of the public, specifically in respect of duties owed to consumers.

Part A of this Pillar sets out the rationale for its selection; the main national government departments with mandates in respect thereof, and connects it with information from our Stakeholder Report in Section IV. Part B sets out background information as to how the Pillar connects with the Egg Supply Chain. Part C provides an overview of selected governance issues associated with this Pillar in the context of the Egg Supply Chain in South Africa while Part D provides examples of the other Parts in practice. 

It is important that Companies making claims about their products (such as eggs), regardless of whether these are made on the product itself (labeling), in the advertising or marketing thereof, or in any other activity relating thereto, are clear, transparent, truthful and that their claims are not exaggerated or otherwise misleading to consumers. This is both in terms of legal obligations (such as is required by the Egg Labelling Regulations and Consumer Protection Act, among others) but arguably also ethical or moral obligations towards their consumers.

Consumers deserve to know the truth about their products so that they can make informed decisions and are empowered to select products based on attributes that are important to them – whether this be in relation to animal welfare (such as the methods of production or inputs); environmental; health or otherwise. Furthermore, consumers have legal rights in terms of the products and services they purchase, and there are corresponding duties on Corporations. Failure to comply with these duties can cause financial liability, and have reputational impacts. Moreover, breaches of consumer protection duties, misinformation, and a lack of transparency can have far-reaching implications for consumers. For example, during the 2017-2018 listeriosis outbreak in South Africa over 1000 people lost their lives from purchasing contaminated meat products.