Consumer Alert: Expanded Peanut Butter Recall Issued by National Consumer Commission (NCC)
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has sounded the alarm, alerting consumers to an expanded recall list encompassing more peanut butter brands.
This development follows Pick n Pay's recent recall of three peanut butter varieties – No Name Smooth Peanut Butter, Eden Smooth Peanut Butter, and Eden Crunch Peanut Butter – over health concerns.
In addition to the aforementioned brands, the NCC has included Dis-Chem's Lifestyle brand and Wazoogles Superfoods on the list of peanut butters consumers are urged to cease consumption immediately.
The newly updated list includes:
- Dis-Chem’s Lifestyle 400g Smooth and Crunchy variants
- Dis-Chem’s Lifestyle 800g Smooth and Crunchy variants
- Wazoogles Superfoods, across all sizes ranging from 32g to 20kg
- Pick n Pay’s No Name 1kg Smooth
- Eden All Natural
According to the NCC, Wazoogles Superfoods were primarily distributed in the Western Cape, while the remaining brands were distributed nationally.
Consumers have been advised to return the affected items to the point of purchase for a full refund, regardless of proof of purchase. The NCC disclosed that the manufacturer, House of Natural Butters (Pty) Ltd, reported elevated levels of Aflatoxin in these brands, exceeding legally acceptable limits as per R1145 Regulation Governing Tolerance of Fungus-Produced Toxins in Foodstuffs.
Aflatoxin, a naturally occurring mycotoxin produced by certain moulds (fungi), can lead to liver cell damage and various health complications, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
The Acting National Consumer Commissioner, Thezi Mabuza, affirmed that the commission is investigating House of Natural Butters and conducting a nationwide assessment to ascertain the extent of the issue across other brands.
Mabuza emphasized the importance of peanut butter manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers adhering to regulations, conducting immediate safety tests, and taking corrective actions promptly.
Under the Consumer Protection Act, goods posing any risk to consumers must be recalled, underscoring the responsibility of manufacturers, importers, and retailers to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and standards.
Written by: Shihaam (Gabriella) Steyn-Adams.
Guzzle Media
