The Cape Navigator

SOUTH AFRICA – In a precautionary move prioritizing the health and safety of its customers, Pick n Pay has issued a recall on three peanut butter brands – No Name Smooth Peanut Butter, Eden Smooth Peanut Butter, and Eden Crunch Peanut Butter. These products, distributed nationwide, have been promptly removed from all Pick n Pay stores.

The recall comes after in-house standard testing revealed higher than regulated levels of Aflatoxin, a naturally occurring mycotoxin known to pose potential health risks when consumed beyond permissible limits. Pick n Pay has taken proactive measures by engaging with the National Consumer Commission and the National Department of Health, Directorate of Food Control.

Customers who have purchased any of the affected peanut butter products, with an expiry date falling between now and July 2025, are strongly urged to return them to any Pick n Pay store for a full refund. The recall extends to opened and unopened products, emphasizing the supermarket chain’s commitment to customer welfare.

Pick n Pay assures customers that no other peanut butter brand within its inventory is implicated in the recall. The Customer Care Line is available at 0860 303 030 to facilitate the return process and address any concerns.

The company spokesperson emphasized, “The health and safety of our customers is our priority. We urge everyone to check their pantries and food cupboards and return the products concerned to any Pick n Pay store for a full refund.”

The recall underscores Pick n Pay’s commitment to maintaining the highest quality standards in its products, ensuring transparency, and promptly addressing potential issues to safeguard the well-being of its valued customers.

What is Aflatoxins?

Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring toxin produced by certain moulds that can grow on crops such as peanuts, corn, and tree nuts. In simple terms, it’s a harmful substance that can find its way into our food supply. When levels of aflatoxin in food exceed regulatory limits, it poses potential health risks.

Elevated levels of aflatoxin can have adverse effects on human health, ranging from liver damage to an increased risk of liver cancer. Ingesting food with high aflatoxin levels over time can lead to chronic health problems.

Therefore, it’s crucial to monitor and regulate aflatoxin levels in food products to ensure the safety of consumers and prevent long-term health issues. The recent recall of certain peanut butter brands by Pick n Pay highlights the importance of addressing elevated aflatoxin levels promptly to protect the well-being of those who consume these products.