The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) Regulatory Division has warned consumers to stop buying non-pressure Panda stoves, produced by Tao Ying Metal (Pty) Ltd, as they do not comply with requirements of the Compulsory Specification Formulation Process.

The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) Regulatory Division has warned consumers to stop buying non-pressure Panda stoves, produced by Tao Ying Metal (Pty) Ltd, as they do not comply with requirements of the Compulsory Specification Formulation Process.

Moses Moeletsi, executive director of the SABS, said in terms of the specification, non-pressure paraffin stoves must meet safety, health and environmental standards.

Tao Ying Metal stoves did not meet any of these requirements and this put consumer's safety and health at risk, he said.

"The SABS has repeatedlywarned Tao Ying Metal not to sell these paraffin stoves as they are one of the major causes of fire hazards in shacks and in rural communities, leaving many communities displaced and further disadvantaged," he said.

Moeletsi said most people who did not have access to electricity continued to use paraffin stoves and it was in this regard that the SABS pleaded with the company to stop selling the stoves.

"What is even more disturbing about the behaviour of the company is that its officials were part of the Compulsory Specification Formulation Process," he said.

lThe SABS has taken legal action against the company.