South Africa’s National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) has confiscated thousands of Rainbow Power Cement bags and called for a nationwide recall after finding products non-compliant with compulsory cement specifications.

"Rainbow Power Cement does not have the authority to manufacture and supply cement in South Africa as it had failed to meet minimum safety requirements in line with the NRCS Act. This has therefore led to withdrawal of the Letter of Authority as previously issued by the NRCS," said the NRCS in a statement.

An NRCS spokesperson, Thomas Madzivhe, noted that producers are obligated to comply with regulations, especially those relating to product strength. "That is the main problem, where the strength at which cement must perform at cannot be maintained or reached," said Mr Madzivhe.

The company currently sells 50kg of 42.5N cement for ZAR65 (US$4.29) a bag and 32.5N cement for ZAR55 a bag.

"Although the non-compliant cement was initially identified and confiscated in Gauteng province, indications are such cement was also distributed in other provinces. Investigations are continuing in this regard," the national regulator continued.