RESPONSE FROM ESKORT & SUPERMARKETS
Following the Muslim Judicial Council Halaal Trust’s [MJCHT] request and communication with Eskort and Supermarket outlets that all Eskort Products with the label “CAPE MALAY” be removed from shelves and that Eskort should recall all such products, the MJCHT hereby updates the Muslim Community as follows:
1. James Richter, Eskort’s Sales Director said that they have stopped all production on the line and will rename the product immediately. They explained that they used the name according to their understanding that it had reference to a spice flavour and did not view it as a name associated with a religious/ethnic group. They have stated that they had no intention to be disrespectful and that they will remove all products labeled “Cape Malay” from all outlets nationally.
2. Cindy Jenk – Pick n Pay Divisional Manager advised that they would “withdraw the Eskort Cape Malay Frikkadels from all Pick n Pay stores nationally” and that the line has been closed in their system.
3. Dean Olwage – Shoprite/Checkers Customer Relations reported that there are no Eskort products labeled “Cape Malay” on their shelves. He has further committed that their buyers and managers have been alerted to not buy or accept this product at any of their stores.
4. Alison Zweers – Spar Group Managing Director for Western Cape escalated the alert to all warehouses, buyers, and meat receiving departments. She confirmed that none of their distribution centers stock the product. She also reassured the Muslim community that Spar will always act in the interest of the culture, traditions, and sensitivities of clients.
The MJCHT extends its appreciation to the management of the supermarkets for their decisive, positive, and prompt response. As a halal certifier in South Africa, we strive to ensure that the Muslim community consumes halal and therefore we appreciate the cultural and religious understanding expressed by the representatives of the various supermarket chains.
For a copy of Community Alert see:: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19jgzPppykkHJh5s_5aEbFPZ93tv8IzcW/view?usp=sharing
Issued By:
Shaykh Ahmat Sedick
DIRECTOR
MJC HALAAL TRUST