House of Natural Butters Peanut Butter Brands Recalled Due to High Aflatoxin Levels

In a significant consumer safety action, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) has instructed the removal of several peanut butter offerings crafted by House of Natural Butters from nationwide retailers due to hazardous substance contamination. This determination expands the prior week's recall involving popular peanut butter brands including Pick n Pay's No Name, as well as Eden's range of Smooth and Crunchy peanut butter.

The current list of recalled items now encompasses Dischem’s Lifestyle selections (both 400 grams and 800 grams in Smooth and Crunchy varieties) and all size ranges of Wazoogles Superfoods, which run from 32 grams up to 20 kilograms.

This firm intervention is driven by the discovery of Aflatoxin levels that surpass the regulatory limit, thus rendering these brands unfit for human consumption. It's important to note that Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by certain fungi, which can be found in agricultural crops such as peanuts. At elevated levels, this toxin can pose significant health risks including liver damage and has been classified as a carcinogen.

The relevance of this issue is amplified by the widespread distribution of affected brands. While Dischem's Lifestyle and Pick 'n Pay's No Name products were available across South Africa, Wazoogles Superfoods had a more targeted distribution, particularly in Western Cape locations.

The Acting National Consumer Commissioner, Thezi Mabuza, noted that beyond the manufacturer in question, House of Natural Butters (Pty) Ltd, a thorough nationwide investigation would also be undertaken to determine if additional brands have been impacted by similar safety violations.

In light of the Consumer Protection Act, which mandates the recall of goods that present any risk of harm to consumers, there is a resounding call for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to take immediate action. This includes carrying out urgent product testing and removing any non-compliant goods from the market.

Consumers have been advised to cease consumption of the recalled peanut butter brands immediately—these include the No Name brand, Eden All Natural brand, Wazoogles Superfoods, and Dischem’s Lifestyle brand. Notably, product returns can be made for a full refund at the point of purchase, even without a receipt. The potential health complications associated with Aflatoxin exposure, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, signal the urgency of addressing this public health matter.

The NCC's intervention underscores a proactive approach in safeguarding consumer health, and the commission continues to monitor the situation closely, ensuring adherence to national standards and regulations in food production and distribution.