The National Consumer Commission says it launched an investigation into the conduct of Kariega-based supplier, Grandisync CC, the supplier of Howe Instant Noodles.
The NCC said in a statement on Thursday that their investigation followed the death of three Eastern Cape children, "allegedly after consuming Howe 2 minute noodles."
Four-month-old Athenkosi Ngwendu, 7-year-old Olwam Ngwendu, and 11-year-old Sinothando Ngwendu died early in November, shortly after eating the noodles and complaining of stomach cramps and nausea.
Acting National Consumer Commissioner, Thezi Mabuza said, based on the information provided to the Commission by other regulators and the supplier, "the NCC has reasonable suspicion to believe that Grandisync CC supplied unsafe goods or goods that posed a potential risk to the public."
She said while the Commission was awaiting laboratory results, this investigation will help the Commission understand the nature, causes, extent, and degree of the risk to the public.
"Consumer safety is at the heart of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). Should our investigation reveal that indeed Grandisnyc CC contravened the provisions of the Act, we will refer the matter to the National Consumer Tribunal for the imposition of an administrative fine of 10% of their total annual turnover or R1m, whichever is the greater," she added.
"As regulators in the food safety environment, we will get to the bottom of this matter to ensure that those liable are held accountable,” she said.
SAPS opened an inquest docket in the matter.
