Warning labels on advertisements and consumer goods:
South African authorities have recently announced three areas of proposed regulation aimed at helping consumers make informed choices when buying certain goods. These are a proposed ban on alcohol advertising, placing warning labels on energy drinks, and proposed shock advertisements for smokers.
But following this mindset, shouldn’t all types of advertised goods carry warnings for consumers?
In hindsight all goods are potentially harmful to consumers. Imagine if at the bottom of every vehicle manufacturer’s advert a message read: “Warning: driving this motor vehicle is harmful to the environment.” Perhaps this is absurd, but driving motor vehicles is generally harmful to the environment because doing this contributes to the production of greenhouse gasses.
Taking this idea a little further: what if there was a warning against watching TV, either on the television set itself or, displayed at the bottom of the live television screen? This message could read: “Warning: watching television is a potential health risk.” Is this ridiculous? Probably, but watching television can be a potential health risk. For example, it could lead to bad posture and chronic back pain (from sitting in an awkward position for too long).
I’m sure you’re not going to stop driving your motor car, or refrain from watching TV after reading this editorial, but it might get you thinking about where the crux of the issue lies when placing warning labels on consumer goods. The truth of the matter is that most goods are harmful when they’re used in excess. And the problem is not with the item itself, it’s with the consumer who uses it.
The question remains: What is reasonable in terms of placing warning labels on products? It is not practical to place a warning on every single product sold to consumers. And, in proposing these regulation, are authorities only trying to cover themselves or are they truly protecting the consumer?
Share your thoughts on this issue on our Facebook page, .
Wendy Smith
Please feel free to make comments or raise new issues by emailing the editor
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Fastmoving Spotlight
new products · brand activity · liqour · jobs · events
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· What Happens to South African Retailers When Competition Comes to Town?
A networking breakfast presentation addressing the retail environment in South Africa and how to survive and thrive under new competition. Join British and Global Retail Expert Simon Mathers of SJM Retail International, interviewed by award-winning former CNN correspondent Paul Tilsley, as he explores Walmart’s entry into South Africa and the impact on Africa’s retail chain.
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· Alcohol ad ban would cost jobs and revenue: analyst
A complete ban on alcohol advertising will result in a total loss of revenue, including sponsorship, sports development leveraging, events and below the line activities, of R2.6 billion, a preliminary impact study has found.
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· Energy drinks to carry warning labels, Spoor & Fisher
In an effort to enhance the public's awareness of the possible harmful effects of energy drinks, the government will be placing more stringent requirements on the manufacturers of these beverages when it comes to the labelling of their products
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· New Chicken Chunky Breast Fillet
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Having recently started a Facebook Fan Page, Wilde is giving their Facebook fans the opportunity to win an 8GB Apple Ipod Nano.
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New Products
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New Chicken Chunky Breast Fillet
The new Gants Chunky Chicken range is set to capture food lover's taste buds by storm. This revolutionary new chunky chicken is well positioned for those who love snacks and salads. Available in four mouth watering flavours that will certainly leave lasting memories in the consumer's mouths.
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Willow Creek launches innovative Gourmet Squeeze bottle
Using your favourite olive oil will now be even more enjoyable with the launch of Willow Creek’s revolutionary Gourmet Squeeze bottle filled with their most popular Estate Blend extra virgin olive oil.
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Brand Activity
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Baby Soft® celebrates R1, 000,000.00 winner
Baby Soft® awards one lucky KwaZulu-Natal customer R1 million in the Baby Soft® on pack promotion. Find who won and what the prize money will go towards.
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Clorets cherry on the top for Billads
Nine Mile Media’s Billads Bill Folder advertising platform will enable consumers to taste the freshness of Clorets chewing gum during July and August in upmarket restaurants across the country.
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The Changing Face Of Retail In Africa
South African retailers are revolutionising consumer shopping habits across the continent, changing the way consumers shop and what they buy.
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Having recently started a Facebook Fan Page, Wilde is giving their Facebook fans the opportunity to win an 8GB Apple Ipod Nano.
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Liquor News
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Fleur du Cap brings home International Wine Challenge Trophy from London
Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Semillon 2010, one of two Fleur du Cap wines to scoop gold medals at the highly contested 2011 International Wine Challenge, is also the proud winner of the International Wine Challenge 2011 Western Cape Trophy. Fleur du Cap’s second International Wine Challenge gold medal went to the 2010 Unfiltered Viognier.
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Nederburg on 2011 Muscats Du Monde Top Ten list
Nederburg has produced one of the highest-scoring wines on the 2011 Muscats du Monde, with the 2008 vintage of the Private Bin Eminence the only South African wine to make it onto the top ten list. The wine also earned a gold medal, as did the 2007 vintage of Eminence. Just 25 gold medals were awarded worldwide on the French annual event that attracted entries from 23 countries.
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Alcohol ad ban would cost jobs and revenue: analyst
A complete ban on alcohol advertising will result in a total loss of revenue, including sponsorship, sports development leveraging, events and below the line activities, of R2.6 billion, a preliminary impact study has found.
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Enter now for 2011 Veritas Awards
More than two decades of first-class judging has seen the Veritas Awards become the country’s most prominent competition for market ready wines and brandies with awards coveted by all cellar masters. The closing date for entries for this year’s competition is 10 August. Late entries will be accepted until 18 August at an increased fee.
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Fine summer ahead with Monis Fino
Celebrate the return of sunshine by sipping something Spanish in South Africa. Monis Fino, meaning fine in Spanish, is a refreshing drink that partners equally well with the sun setting as it does with a wild mushroom risotto.
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Stellar Winery moving to Fair for Life fair trade
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Retail Services News
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The South African Service Awards – Recognising Great South African Service
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FMCG Jobs
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National Sales Manager, Orley Foods
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Financial Executive (For a leading FMCG company’s international division)
My client, one of SA's leading FMCG companies, is looking to appoint a Financial Executive for their international division. You will be responsible for managing and consolidating results from a number of operations based in Africa and will be appointed as a board member for some of these companies.
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Trade Channel Planner
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Head of Business Development
Our client is a multinational FMCG giant. With key growth objectives, business development initiatives need to be defined and managed consistently and coherently. With this in mind, the Head of Business Development will own the overall business development programme and lead key strategic development initiatives.
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Country Manager
Our world-renowned FMCG client requires a Country Manager for one of their Africa business units. The successful candidate will work closely with the South African leadership team ensuring the implementation and monitoring of review policies, strategies, operational plans and budgets.
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Nicolene Di Bartolo
Leadership is action... not position! Business Leaders engage our services to identify individuals who will elevate their organisations to new heights. It is our mission to source exceptional talent in mid-to executive management levels across all job categories. We support these extraordinary individuals in furthering their careers
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Zakhele Staffing Solutions
Zakhele Staffing Solutions believes in developing and maintaining Long-Term relationships with Candidates and Clients. Our objective is to introduce exceptional Human Capital to enhance the productivity of the company as well as the opportunities for individuals.
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Events
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“What Happens to South African Retailers When Competition Comes to Town?”
A networking breakfast presentation addressing the retail environment in South Africa and how to survive and thrive under new competition. Join British and Global Retail Expert Simon Mathers of SJM Retail International, interviewed by award-winning former CNN correspondent Paul Tilsley, as he explores Walmart’s entry into South Africa and the impact on Africa’s retail chain.
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Robertson Slow 2011
Only 90 minutes drive from Cape Town (on the popular, scenic Route 62), why not take the time to head out to the country and enjoy the simple pleasures in life… slowly at the Robertson Wine Valley’s slow-living festival. At Robertson Slow, one can sample honest, old-fashioned, rural hospitality synonymous with the Robertson Wine Valley’s wine-making community. Relish the slow food and wine that will satiate your senses and revel in the relaxed pace that will replenish your soul.
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InneSense Cellar2Cellar Trail Run & Wine Experience
Wine your way through 12 kilometres of picturesque Paradyskloof vineyards
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Africa’s Big Seven Food and Beverage Trade Show
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Markex - World of Events
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RMB Winex Cape Town 2011
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Be prepared for the fifth Limpopo Wine Show
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