No dog food found in sausage at unlicensed Gubta Meats shops

Sausage

Cape Town  — The two owners of Gubta Meats located in Mfuleni, Cape Town, made their first appearance in court today after allegations surfaced that they used dog food in their sausage.

The two owners, Abdi Kadiye (34) and Mohammed Ali Ahmed (36) both Somali nationals, were charged with the contravention of the Food Stuff and Cosmetics Act 54 of 1972, IOL reported.

The other four accused are Kondwani Mwezhande (29), and Smart Chipod (25) both Malawian nationals, with Abduaallah Abdinour a Somalian national. The fourth worker was a minor who could not be named. The four face charges of contravention of the Immigration Act, while the owners are also accused of employing illegal foreigners in contravention of the Immigration Act.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila said the Act was the illegal production and operation of a butchery producing meat products without the legal certificate to do so.

Ntabazalila said the matter was adjourned to Monday for a Somalian interpreter to be present in court. The five men were remanded in police custody, while the minor is in the custody of a guardian.

As reported by EWN, the City of Cape Town’s Environmental Health Department found no traces of dog food in the unregistered sausage manufacturing. It was alleged that bone meal, usually found in pet food, was found in the sausage.

The Department’s MMC, Patricia van Der Ross, said the department was aware of the allegations but said there was none to be found.

“Contrary to footage circulating on social media, our EHPs found no evidence of dog food on scene. We ask that the public please allow the investigation to run its course and refrain from sharing misinformation,” van der Ross said.

According to TimesLIVE, Gubta Meats may have gone undetected for a longer time had it not been for a tip-off by a whistle-blower from the public. Van der Ross said

“The premises are situated in a residential area. It is not listed or identified as a business and if not for the whistle-blower our EHPs would not have had cause to conduct an inspection,” said Van der Ross. 
The butchery is attached to a residential area and was fined in terms of health legislation.

“EHPs are mandated to conduct visits to food premises at least twice a year, but if problems are identified or complaints are received more regular inspections are carried out until the problem is resolved,” she added.

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Compiled by Matthew Petersen

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