P
Parmalat
Verified Business
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AI Review Summary
Based on recent customer reviews, Parmalat faces widespread dissatisfaction driven by recurring product quality failures across its dairy range. Customers frequently report spoiled milk, yoghurt, and cheese well before expiry dates, with some alleging chemical tastes or contamination in products including cheese slices, yoghurt, and Steri Stumpie. Cheese quality has also declined, with reports of crumbling texture and processed taste. Customer service is a major pain point, with multiple reviewers describing ignored complaints, lack of follow-up, and unresolved issues. Competition entry glitches have further eroded trust in the brand.
Performance(last 12 months):
0Trustindex Rating
#53Ranked In Retail
192h 5mReply Time
-85 NPSUnlikely
Replied to 96% of negative reviews
Typically takes less than 200 hours 5 min to reply
TrustIndex
0
Score
Ranking
#53
in Retail
Avg Reply
192 hours 5 minutes
NPS Score
-85
Recommended: Unlikely
Replied to 96% of negative reviews
Typically takes less than 200 hours 5 min to reply
Review Distribution
1.3|26 Reviews
May '25 - Apr '26
5(4.4%)
4(0%)
3(0%)
2(17.4%)
1(78.3%)
5(4.4%)
4(0%)
3(0%)
2(17.4%)
1(78.3%)
Frequently Asked Questions About Parmalat
Based on recent customer reviews, this business delivers a consistently strong customer experience anchored by outstanding agent quality and rapid communication. Customers frequently name individual consultants and praise their friendliness, patience, and professionalism. Recurring praise is given to claims and roadside assistance, though a vocal minority report frustrating delays, rejected claims, and poor transparency around premium increases.
Hellopeter's TrustIndex is a 0–10 score based on review star ratings, reply speed, and recent activity over the last 12 months. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
Recent reviews (26)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your ExperienceMM
Mduduzi M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
5 Mar 2026, 08:19
DANGEROUS/CHEMICALLY CONTAMINATED FOOD PRODUCT – IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED
Reference: Parmalat Cheese Slices / President Hyper, Krugersdorp To: The Chief Executive Officer – Parmalat South Africa The Quality Assurance & Legal Department – Parmalat South Africa The Regional Manager – Pick n Pay Hyper (Krugersdorp) The Store Director – President Hyper, Krugersdorp Date: 05 March 2026 From: Mduduzi Mashego Krugersdorp 072 364 3040 motau.mj@aol.com 1. INTRODUCTION AND URGENCY: I am writing to you regarding an incident that occurred on the afternoon of Tuesday, 3 March 2026, involving a food product manufactured by Parmalat and purchased from your President Hyper store in Krugersdorp. This is not a routine complaint about taste or quality. This is a formal notification regarding the suspected chemical contamination of a food item that has caused physical harm and distress to multiple members of my household. 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INCIDENT AND SYMPTOMS: Upon returning home on the afternoon of 3 March 2026, I prepared sandwiches using cheese slices from a 900g packet of the Parmalat brand. Upon the first bite, I experienced an immediate and violent chemical reaction. The taste was not of spoiled dairy; it was consistent with a detergent-based acid or caustic substance. I immediately expelled the food from my mouth, but the chemical residue remained. Despite vigorous rinsing with water, the sensation did not subside. Disturbingly, the water appeared to exacerbate the issue, seemingly assisting the chemical to spread. Within moments, I experienced a burning sensation in my nasal passages and my sinuses felt as though they were chemically "opening," forcing me to inhale fumes with every breath. I initially suspected the bread, but after discarding the first slices and trying a new slice from the same packet, the reaction was even more severe. Subsequently, my family informed me that they had encountered the identical experience with the same packet of cheese. They correctly identified the source as the cheese, disposed of the packet, and purchased an alternative brand. 3. HEALTH IMPACT: As a direct result of ingesting (and inhaling) this contaminated product, I have suffered two days of severe gastrointestinal distress. The mental anguish of having what felt like a chemical agent introduced into my body through a staple food item has been profound. My family members also reported varying degrees of discomfort. We have six people in this household whose health was placed at risk due to this product. 4. THE SUPPLY CHAIN AND RESPONSIBILITY: I understand that my family does not possess the till slip for this specific transaction, as the urgency of the situation led them to discard the product and receipt before I returned home. However, I refuse to believe that my family is the only one affected. I am almost certain that President Hyper, Krugersdorp, has received other complaints regarding this specific batch of Parmalat cheese. It is statistically improbable that a packet causing such an extreme chemical reaction is an isolated incident. It is your responsibility to check your records, your return logs, and your customer complaints from the past week to identify this batch. 5. FORMAL DEMANDS AND EXPECTATIONS: I am holding Parmalat South Africa, as the manufacturer, and President Hyper, Krugersdorp, as the retailer, jointly and severally liable for this incident. You have a legal and moral duty to ensure the food you place on the shelves is safe for human consumption. Therefore, I demand the following immediate actions: 1. URGENT INVESTIGATION & RECALL: You must immediately investigate which batch (production date and batch number) of the 900g Parmalat cheese slices was on sale at the Krugersdorp store. If there is any doubt, a voluntary recall must be issued to prevent further harm to the public. You have a duty of care to the community. 2. FULL WRITTEN EXPLANATION: I demand a formal written explanation from Parmalat's Quality Assurance department detailing how a chemical agent could enter your food production line. I expect transparency regarding the source of the contamination. 3. COMPENSATION FOR HARM AND DISTRESS: · Reimbur*****t: Full financial compensation for the spoiled product and the replacement food my family was forced to buy. · Medical Consideration: A gesture of goodwill acknowledging the physical suffering and two days of illness endured. · Distress Compensation: A meaningful acknowledgment of the severe shock, distress, and breach of trust caused by this incident. My family purchased your product in good faith and was poisoned for it. 6. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS: I am placing you on formal notice that I am documenting every detail of this incident, including the physical symptoms, the timeline, and this correspondence. I expect you to treat this matter with the gravity it deserves. While I am giving you the opportunity to investigate and make this right internally, please be advised that I am prepared to escalate this matter to the National Consumer Commission (NCC) , the Department of Health, and the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) should your response be inadequate, delayed, or dismissive. I expect an acknowledgement of receipt within 24 hours and a substantive response detailing your findings and proposed remediation within 2 calendar days. You may contact me via email or phone at the details provided above. Livid, Mduduzi
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)MM
Mduduzi M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
5 Mar 2026, 08:19
DANGEROUS/CHEMICALLY CONTAMINATED FOOD PRODUCT – IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED
Reference: Parmalat Cheese Slices / President Hyper, Krugersdorp To: The Chief Executive Officer – Parmalat South Africa The Quality Assurance & Legal Department – Parmalat South Africa The Regional Manager – Pick n Pay Hyper (Krugersdorp) The Store Director – President Hyper, Krugersdorp Date: 05 March 2026 From: Mduduzi Mashego Krugersdorp 072 364 3040 motau.mj@aol.com 1. INTRODUCTION AND URGENCY: I am writing to you regarding an incident that occurred on the afternoon of Tuesday, 3 March 2026, involving a food product manufactured by Parmalat and purchased from your President Hyper store in Krugersdorp. This is not a routine complaint about taste or quality. This is a formal notification regarding the suspected chemical contamination of a food item that has caused physical harm and distress to multiple members of my household. 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INCIDENT AND SYMPTOMS: Upon returning home on the afternoon of 3 March 2026, I prepared sandwiches using cheese slices from a 900g packet of the Parmalat brand. Upon the first bite, I experienced an immediate and violent chemical reaction. The taste was not of spoiled dairy; it was consistent with a detergent-based acid or caustic substance. I immediately expelled the food from my mouth, but the chemical residue remained. Despite vigorous rinsing with water, the sensation did not subside. Disturbingly, the water appeared to exacerbate the issue, seemingly assisting the chemical to spread. Within moments, I experienced a burning sensation in my nasal passages and my sinuses felt as though they were chemically "opening," forcing me to inhale fumes with every breath. I initially suspected the bread, but after discarding the first slices and trying a new slice from the same packet, the reaction was even more severe. Subsequently, my family informed me that they had encountered the identical experience with the same packet of cheese. They correctly identified the source as the cheese, disposed of the packet, and purchased an alternative brand. 3. HEALTH IMPACT: As a direct result of ingesting (and inhaling) this contaminated product, I have suffered two days of severe gastrointestinal distress. The mental anguish of having what felt like a chemical agent introduced into my body through a staple food item has been profound. My family members also reported varying degrees of discomfort. We have six people in this household whose health was placed at risk due to this product. 4. THE SUPPLY CHAIN AND RESPONSIBILITY: I understand that my family does not possess the till slip for this specific transaction, as the urgency of the situation led them to discard the product and receipt before I returned home. However, I refuse to believe that my family is the only one affected. I am almost certain that President Hyper, Krugersdorp, has received other complaints regarding this specific batch of Parmalat cheese. It is statistically improbable that a packet causing such an extreme chemical reaction is an isolated incident. It is your responsibility to check your records, your return logs, and your customer complaints from the past week to identify this batch. 5. FORMAL DEMANDS AND EXPECTATIONS: I am holding Parmalat South Africa, as the manufacturer, and President Hyper, Krugersdorp, as the retailer, jointly and severally liable for this incident. You have a legal and moral duty to ensure the food you place on the shelves is safe for human consumption. Therefore, I demand the following immediate actions: 1. URGENT INVESTIGATION & RECALL: You must immediately investigate which batch (production date and batch number) of the 900g Parmalat cheese slices was on sale at the Krugersdorp store. If there is any doubt, a voluntary recall must be issued to prevent further harm to the public. You have a duty of care to the community. 2. FULL WRITTEN EXPLANATION: I demand a formal written explanation from Parmalat's Quality Assurance department detailing how a chemical agent could enter your food production line. I expect transparency regarding the source of the contamination. 3. COMPENSATION FOR HARM AND DISTRESS: · Reimbur*****t: Full financial compensation for the spoiled product and the replacement food my family was forced to buy. · Medical Consideration: A gesture of goodwill acknowledging the physical suffering and two days of illness endured. · Distress Compensation: A meaningful acknowledgment of the severe shock, distress, and breach of trust caused by this incident. My family purchased your product in good faith and was poisoned for it. 6. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS: I am placing you on formal notice that I am documenting every detail of this incident, including the physical symptoms, the timeline, and this correspondence. I expect you to treat this matter with the gravity it deserves. While I am giving you the opportunity to investigate and make this right internally, please be advised that I am prepared to escalate this matter to the National Consumer Commission (NCC) , the Department of Health, and the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) should your response be inadequate, delayed, or dismissive. I expect an acknowledgement of receipt within 24 hours and a substantive response detailing your findings and proposed remediation within 2 calendar days. You may contact me via email or phone at the details provided above. Livid, Mduduzi
0
Replies (0)SE
Shivonne E
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
3 Mar 2026, 11:04
Bad Milk
Milk spoiled before best before Date I have bought 2 six packs and going through the 1st pack I have discovered milk that is spoiled /rotten gone off ,this is really not a good experience for me and my family
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)SE
Shivonne E
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
3 Mar 2026, 11:04
Bad Milk
Milk spoiled before best before Date I have bought 2 six packs and going through the 1st pack I have discovered milk that is spoiled /rotten gone off ,this is really not a good experience for me and my family
0
Replies (0)OM
QT
Queen T
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
4 Feb 2026, 07:06
Yogurt has mold
I bought a Parmalat yogurt at Spar and left it in the fridge. The next day, my son called me to ask if he could eat the yogurt, and I said yes. Later, he called again and said the yogurt didn’t taste right. I was surprised, so I asked him to take a picture of the expiry date. It showed 25 February 2026, so I told him there shouldn’t be anything wrong with it and that it should be fine to eat. When I got home and checked the container myself, I saw that he couldn’t finish it. To my surprise, the yogurt had mold in it. How can this happen before the expiry date, and should we be concerned about our health in this case seriously?
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)QT
Queen T
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
4 Feb 2026, 07:06
Yogurt has mold
I bought a Parmalat yogurt at Spar and left it in the fridge. The next day, my son called me to ask if he could eat the yogurt, and I said yes. Later, he called again and said the yogurt didn’t taste right. I was surprised, so I asked him to take a picture of the expiry date. It showed 25 February 2026, so I told him there shouldn’t be anything wrong with it and that it should be fine to eat. When I got home and checked the container myself, I saw that he couldn’t finish it. To my surprise, the yogurt had mold in it. How can this happen before the expiry date, and should we be concerned about our health in this case seriously?
0
Replies (0)IH
I H
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
21 Jan 2026, 14:41
Parmalat/Lactalis Competition Complaint Ignored for Over a Month
I am extremely disappointed with how Parmalat/Lactalis has handled my complaint regarding their “Everything Needs Cheese” competition. On 18 December, I lodged a formal complaint after two valid, unused till slips were incorrectly rejected as “already used” when entering the competition via the official QR code and WhatsApp system. I provided receipts, screenshots, and full details. On 22 December, I was asked to provide my cellphone number, which I did immediately. Since then, I have had to repeatedly follow up myself (5 January, 15 January, and 19 January). I received multiple responses stating that my enquiry had been “escalated to Head Office” and later to the “Marketing Team”, with assurances that I would be contacted. No one ever contacted me. This includes emails from Denzel, Pulendron, Brenda and Benedict... all just automated response type emails with no follow through. As of today, more than one month later, I have: - Received no explanation for why valid receipts were rejected - Had no confirmation that my entries were reviewed - Received no resolution or accountability Despite setting a clear final deadline in writing, Parmalat/Lactalis failed to respond again. This is not just poor customer service — it raises serious concerns about the fairness and integrity of their promotional competition. I regret having to escalate publicly, but private channels have been completely ineffective.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)IH
I H
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
21 Jan 2026, 14:41
Parmalat/Lactalis Competition Complaint Ignored for Over a Month
I am extremely disappointed with how Parmalat/Lactalis has handled my complaint regarding their “Everything Needs Cheese” competition. On 18 December, I lodged a formal complaint after two valid, unused till slips were incorrectly rejected as “already used” when entering the competition via the official QR code and WhatsApp system. I provided receipts, screenshots, and full details. On 22 December, I was asked to provide my cellphone number, which I did immediately. Since then, I have had to repeatedly follow up myself (5 January, 15 January, and 19 January). I received multiple responses stating that my enquiry had been “escalated to Head Office” and later to the “Marketing Team”, with assurances that I would be contacted. No one ever contacted me. This includes emails from Denzel, Pulendron, Brenda and Benedict... all just automated response type emails with no follow through. As of today, more than one month later, I have: - Received no explanation for why valid receipts were rejected - Had no confirmation that my entries were reviewed - Received no resolution or accountability Despite setting a clear final deadline in writing, Parmalat/Lactalis failed to respond again. This is not just poor customer service — it raises serious concerns about the fairness and integrity of their promotional competition. I regret having to escalate publicly, but private channels have been completely ineffective.
0
Replies (0)TM
Thobile M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
21 Jan 2026, 08:01
Possible cross contamination in plain yoghurt
I purchased a low-fat plain yogurt at my local Hyperland supermarket earlier in this week, supermarket. And the taste like there's paraffin or some sort of concerning liquid. It's runny. It's not as thick as a consistency that I would expect. So I just want to know what the process is if I want to send the product to you for you to test for possible cross-contamination to see if the batch itself was affected. It is still prior to the BB date on the tub. I would appreciate a review of the production for this specific batch.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)TM
Thobile M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
21 Jan 2026, 08:01
Possible cross contamination in plain yoghurt
I purchased a low-fat plain yogurt at my local Hyperland supermarket earlier in this week, supermarket. And the taste like there's paraffin or some sort of concerning liquid. It's runny. It's not as thick as a consistency that I would expect. So I just want to know what the process is if I want to send the product to you for you to test for possible cross-contamination to see if the batch itself was affected. It is still prior to the BB date on the tub. I would appreciate a review of the production for this specific batch.
0
Replies (0)IW
Inke W
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
1 Jan 2026, 06:33
Misleading customers on running competitions.
I tried to enter the Parmalat competition that runs from 6 October 2025 to 31 December2025. It shows that my till slip was already used. But it's not true. Just to find out there was a technical problem on their side of the competition and is has been attended to. We bought the Parmalat White Cheddar Cheese (hard) In the Terms and Conditions it reads that the Parmalat White Cheddar Cheese is not part of the competition. Only the Chedder Cheese. The barcode doesn't match anyone given in the T&C. So my problem is, is that Firstly I don't go into to a shop to read the terms and conditions of a competition when I buy a product indicating that you can go into a draw for a competion. I buy the product and then participate in the competition. Why? Because there was a competition sticker on the cheese we bought. Parmalat is misleading the customers, by adding stickers to products that is not part of the competition. And I did the right thing, I phoned and reported it, I did sent an email with all the information but did not receive any response back. Let me know if I'm wrong Parmalat. All I wanted was a response.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)IW
Inke W
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
1 Jan 2026, 06:33
Misleading customers on running competitions.
I tried to enter the Parmalat competition that runs from 6 October 2025 to 31 December2025. It shows that my till slip was already used. But it's not true. Just to find out there was a technical problem on their side of the competition and is has been attended to. We bought the Parmalat White Cheddar Cheese (hard) In the Terms and Conditions it reads that the Parmalat White Cheddar Cheese is not part of the competition. Only the Chedder Cheese. The barcode doesn't match anyone given in the T&C. So my problem is, is that Firstly I don't go into to a shop to read the terms and conditions of a competition when I buy a product indicating that you can go into a draw for a competion. I buy the product and then participate in the competition. Why? Because there was a competition sticker on the cheese we bought. Parmalat is misleading the customers, by adding stickers to products that is not part of the competition. And I did the right thing, I phoned and reported it, I did sent an email with all the information but did not receive any response back. Let me know if I'm wrong Parmalat. All I wanted was a response.
0
Replies (0)A
Amy
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
31 Dec 2025, 15:25
I recently purchased a Steri Stumpie, believing it to be my usual favourite
I recently purchased a Steri Stumpie, believing it to be my usual favourite. As I normally do, I stored it in the fridge to enjoy at a later time. After some time, I noticed the bottle had started turning white. Upon closer inspection, I observed thick particles floating in the drink, resembling milk that had gone sour or expired. When I checked the expiration date, I noted that it was only set to expire in mid-2026. This was concerning and disappointing, particularly as this is not the first time I have experienced this issue.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)A
Amy
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
31 Dec 2025, 15:25
I recently purchased a Steri Stumpie, believing it to be my usual favourite
I recently purchased a Steri Stumpie, believing it to be my usual favourite. As I normally do, I stored it in the fridge to enjoy at a later time. After some time, I noticed the bottle had started turning white. Upon closer inspection, I observed thick particles floating in the drink, resembling milk that had gone sour or expired. When I checked the expiration date, I noted that it was only set to expire in mid-2026. This was concerning and disappointing, particularly as this is not the first time I have experienced this issue.
0
Replies (0)