Oceana Group, the owner of the popular canned fish brand Lucky Star, has stepped forward to address recent claims about counterfeit canned pilchards discovered in a police operation in Daveyton, Gauteng. The incident, which led to the detention of seven undocumented migrants, sparked concerns that the fake products were being falsely marketed as Lucky Star fish. However, Oceana Group has clarified that the products involved were not part of their official range.
According to a statement from the company, investigations—backed by third-party experts—have revealed that the pilchards found in the operation were not manufactured by Lucky Star. Instead, they were produced by an international supplier under the Woolworths brand. The retailer had initially imported the consignment, but upon receiving the product, rejected it and requested that the supplier retrieve it. After being reclaimed, the cans were illegally relabelled as Lucky Star and repackaged into Woolworths boxes.
Oceana Group provided several tips to help consumers identify counterfeit canned goods. First, examine the quality of the label. Genuine Lucky Star cans use high-quality paper, while counterfeit products often feature lower-quality labels. Next, check the print clarity, as any smudges or colour inconsistencies could indicate a fake product. Additionally, ensure the label is straight and properly affixed, as crooked labels may be a sign of tampering. Verify the best-before date and product codes, which should be ink-jet printed on the can’s end, and look for any discrepancies that might suggest fraud. The barcode should also be clearly readable, as illegible barcodes could be a red flag. Look for unique traceable codes written on the adhesive flap of the label for authenticity, and check the shipping pallets for security tape and identification tags. Lastly, genuine Lucky Star cans do not have ring pulls or easy-open lids for pilchards, which can help distinguish authentic products from counterfeit ones.
Oceana Group provided several tips
- Examine the label quality: Genuine Lucky Star cans use high-quality paper, whereas counterfeit products often feature lower-quality labels.
- Print clarity: Any smudges or colour inconsistencies could indicate a fake product.
- Label alignment: Ensure the label is straight and properly affixed; crooked labels may be a sign of tampering.
- Check the best-before date and product codes: These should be ink-jet printed on the can’s end, and any discrepancies might suggest fraud.
- Barcode clarity: A readable, clear barcode is essential; illegible barcodes could be a red flag.
- Unique traceable codes: Look for specific codes written on the adhesive flap of the label for authenticity.
- Security features on pallets: Genuine Lucky Star cans do not have ring pulls or easy-open lids for pilchards, so check for security tape and identification tags on shipping pallets.
Oceana Group remains committed to ensuring the safety and integrity of its products and has emphasised the importance of verifying these factors to prevent the spread of counterfeit goods.
