15 April 2013 The
weekend?s press expose of the names of the outlets from whom samples
were tested by the University of Stellenbosch showed that no SANHA
certified outlets were implicated. Whilst SANHA cannot speak for the
other Halaal bodies, this serves to vindicate its position as outlined
in the attached newsletter wherein we illustrated that through our
monitoring and auditing of the Halaal chain no contamination had taken
place. However, we are on record as accepting that there were
shortcomings on the labelling in terms of non disclosure on soya and
wheat gluten substitution. We
believe that South Africa has the necessary laws but lack the capacity
to enforce the laws. We are willing to make this aspect part of our
inspectorate audit procedures to ensure compliance in our certified
outlets. SANHA
has always been averse to the certification of establishments which
store, handle and/or process Halaal and non-Halaal meat products on
common premises. The risk of contamination in such circumstances is
unavoidable. SANHA has therefore not considered applications from such
establishments. Justice
demands that any charge be open to due judicial processes such as the
right to call and cross examine witnesses, not to incriminate oneself,
the right not to be tried on secret evidence, the right to exclude
evidence that is improperly obtained, irrelevant or inherently
inadmissible e.g. hearsay, punishment for perjury, the right to exclude
judges on the grounds of partiality or conflict of interest, the right
of appeal etc. The
studies by the Universities of Stellenbosch and the Western Cape did
not subscribe to the above which is not only unjust but caused an
incredible amount of uncertainty and confusion in the market place. We
are disappointed by the cavalier and unjust methods employed which
succeeded in creating confusion by making pronouncements but withholding
the information on which action could be taken. Even as late as last
week the University of Stellenbosch refused to divulge the information
to us and their legal department referred us to the Promotion of Access
to Information Act. The University of the Western Cape on the other
hand confirmed in writing last week that no Halaal outlets were
involved. We
suggest that the methodology and validity of the testing be examined
and if it passes the test then the companies involved should have been
be approached and counselled for compliance with names released after
that process. Prosecution ought to be pursued in the case of non
co-operation. Yours sincerely For South African National Halaal Authority EBI Lockhat Public Relations Officer Tel: +27 (31) 207 5768 Fax: +27 (31) 207 5793 Cell: +27 (0) 83 777 0121
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