In a concerning development for South African consumers, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) has issued an urgent recall notice for several peanut butter brands manufactured by House of Natural Butters. Acting Commissioner Thezi Mabuza has urged individuals in possession of affected products to return them to the point of purchase due to elevated levels of Aflatoxin, a dangerous toxin linked to health risks including liver cancer.
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The NCC’s announcement comes following notification from the manufacturer regarding the presence of higher than legally acceptable levels of Aflatoxin in various peanut butter brands. These brands include Pick n Pay’s No Name brand, Eden All Natural brand, Wazoogles Superfoods, and Dischem’s Lifestyle brand.
Aflatoxins, a family of toxins produced by certain fungi commonly found on agricultural crops, including staples, pose severe health risks. According to the Cancer Institute, exposure to Aflatoxins is associated with an increased risk of liver cancer.
The recalled products encompass various sizes and brands, including Dischem’s Lifestyle 400 grams Smooth and Crunchy, Dischem’s Lifestyle 800 grams Smooth and Crunchy, Wazoogles Superfoods in all sizes ranging from 32g to 20kg, Pick n’ Pay’s No Name 1kg Smooth, and Eden All Natural brand.
Mabuza emphasized that while Pick n Pay, Eden All Natural, and Dischem’s Lifestyle brands were distributed nationwide, Wazoogles Superfoods products were primarily distributed in the Western Cape.
Consumers who possess these products are urged to cease consumption immediately and return them to the point of purchase for a full refund, with or without proof of purchase, stated Mabuza.
In response to the situation, the NCC is actively investigating House of Natural Butters (Pty) Ltd, the manufacturer, and plans to conduct a nationwide assessment to determine if other brands are similarly affected.
Mabuza stressed the importance of compliance with regulations among manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers of peanut butter. Urgent tests are recommended to assess the safety of products on shelves, and immediate corrective measures should be taken if any product is found to be unsafe.
The Commissioner reiterated the obligations under the Consumer Protection Act, which mandates the recall of goods posing any risk of harm to consumers. Manufacturers, importers, and retailers bear the responsibility of ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and standards of the Republic.
Considering the potential health complications associated with Aflatoxin, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, South African consumers are strongly advised to discontinue the use of recalled products and promptly return them to the point of purchase for a full refund, emphasized Mabuza.
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The NCC’s urgent recall notice underscores the critical importance of ensuring consumer safety and adherence to regulatory standards within the food industry. South African consumers must remain vigilant and heed recall advisories to protect their health and well-being. By promptly returning affected products, individuals can mitigate the risks associated with Aflatoxin contamination and contribute to safeguarding public health across the nation.
