The Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa (HSFSA) demands an immediate retraction of all advertising that it says falsely states that it endorses all Helios food products.

"The placement of the Heart Mark logo creates a false and misleading impression for consumers that all of the products depicted in the advertisement are endorsed by the HSFSA.

"In reality, only one product has the license to carry the Heart Mark endorsement (Helios Pure Sunflower Oil). Despite the HSFSA's warning, no amendments have been made to correct public perception."

The foundation demanded that Unity Foods, which produces Helios products, publish a formal apology and withdraw all the relevant advertising and marketing material.

Helios could not be reached for comment immediately.