The National Consumer Commission has issued a strong recommendation to all manufacturers of peanut butter to conduct thorough testing on their products in order to determine whether they meet the acceptable levels of aflatoxin.
This urgent call comes in the wake of recent recalls by major retailers due to elevated levels of aflatoxin in their peanut butter products, which pose potential harm to consumers.
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In a recent incident, Pick n Pay had to recall their No-Name and Eden All Natural peanut butter from their stores after discovering elevated levels of aflatoxin.
Similarly, Woolworths also recalled their peanut butter dairy product due to the same concern. These recalls have raised significant alarm, prompting the acting National Consumer Commissioner, Thezi Mabuza, to express deep concern over the high rate of such incidents.
Mabuza emphasised the importance of manufacturers conducting thorough assessments to understand the extent of the problem. If testing reveals that their products are not safe, suppliers are urged to follow the National Consumer Commission’s product recall protocol.
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The risk associated with consuming products containing higher than acceptable levels of aflatoxin can lead to various health complications, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
South African consumers who have purchased the recalled products are strongly advised to immediately cease consumption and return the products to the point of purchase for a full refund, with or without proof of purchase. This precautionary measure ensures the safety and well-being of consumers.
The National Consumer Commission’s call for peanut butter manufacturers to prioritize testing for aflatoxin levels highlights the significance of product safety and consumer protection.
