Peanut butter recall: Manufacturers told to test products

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has told manufacturers and suppliers of peanut butter, peanut butter-based products and products containing peanuts to conduct an immediate investigation into their products to determine whether they meet acceptable levels of aflatoxin.

This comes after several suppliers have recalled various peanut products due to high aflatoxin levels.

Aflatoxin, when consumed at higher than acceptable levels, may lead to health complications like nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

As such, the NCC has called on all manufacturers of peanut butter, peanut butter-based products and products with peanuts, including chocolates, sweets, cookies, ice cream and peanut butter spreads, to investigate their products.

Acceptable levels of aflatoxin are set out in Regulation 2(a) of Regulation 1145 of the Foodstuff, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act, the NCC says.

Suppliers recall products

According to the NCC, the latest suppliers to recall their products are Woolworths and Eat Naked.

Woolworths is recalling its 2l Peanut Butter Dairy Ice Cream (barcode: 6009211273436), while Eat Naked is recalling various products, including its Peanut Butter Sachet, Peanut Butter Seeded, Dark Chocolate Peanut Cup and Peanut Butter Jar.

“Both suppliers informed the NCC that their products were found to have higher than acceptable levels of aflatoxin,” says Acting National Consumer Commissioner Thezi Mabuza.

“South African consumers who have the recalled products must immediately stop consuming them and return them to their point of purchase for a full refund, with or without proof of purchase,” she adds.

High rate of recalls

“The NCC is concerned by the high rate of recalls,” says Mabuza.

She explains that to better understand the challenge, the NCC has issued a notice in terms of Section 60 (2) (a) of the Consumer Protection Act to manufacturers and suppliers of peanut butter.

“The notice requires suppliers to immediately conduct an urgent investigation, test their products for aflatoxin, and present their results to the NCC within 14 days of receiving the notice. Suppliers are also required to submit their Hazzard Analysis Critical Control Point Certificates.

“In addition, the NCC extends the same call to other suppliers of products with peanuts, to also investigate and submit their results to the NCC,” says Mabuza.

While investigating their products, manufacturers, importers and retailers are urged to take immediate corrective measures if their products are found to be unsafe.

“These include removing the products from the shelves following the NCC’s product recall protocols, informing relevant regulators in the space and notifying consumers,” says Mabuza.

Suppliers and manufacturers must submit the results of their investigations via email to Peanutbutter@thencc.org.za.