The Post

Takeaway cutting back on frozen chips

CHARLENE SOMDUTH charlene.somduth@inl.co.za

SACHIN Reddy has stopped buying frozen chips for his takeaway because it is too expensive.

In November 2021, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) initiated an investigation into the dumping of frozen potato chips originating in or imported from Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.

In a statement, Itac said the investigation was self-initiated by the commission as per the anti-dumping regulations.

“The information at the commission’s disposal indicated that the subject product originating in or imported from Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands was being dumped into the South African Customs Union (Sacu) market, causing material injury to the Sacu industry.

“The basis of the alleged dumping is that goods are being imported into Sacu at prices less than the normal value of the same goods in their country of origin,” said the Itac.

“The commission further requested the commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (Sars) to impose provisional payments for six months to protect the Sacu industry, while the investigation continued.”

Sars recently imposed the duties. Reddy runs the Pit Stop Takeaway in Westcliff in Chatsworth. He has had the business for two and a half years.

“I stopped using frozen chips in October last year because the price increased. I would generally pay just over R20 a kg but it went to about R30.

“Frozen chips are quicker to prepare but I just cannot afford it. I don’t want to bulk up my prices.

“I’m now using potatoes and preparing hand-cut chips.”

He said there were challenges. “The potatoes can only be cut into hand-cut chips as and when these are needed.

“It’s time-consuming to cut and it takes longer to fry compared to frozen chips. When decisions are made, the government needs to think about small businesses.

“In order for me to be able to afford frozen chips I have to hike the prices of my food. But I don’t want to do that.”

News Post

en-za

2023-05-31T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-05-31T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://thepostza.pressreader.com/article/281715503996519

African News Agency