Several retailers, including prominent supermarket chain Woolworths, have recently recalled some South African peanut butter ice cream products. This recall comes after tests revealed some batches contained aflatoxin levels exceeding legal limits.
What are aflatoxins?
Aflatoxins are toxins naturally produced by certain fungi found in crops like peanuts. Long-term exposure to aflatoxins increases the risk of health issues, including liver cancer.
South African Peanut Butter Ice Cream – Which brands and stores were affected?
The recall primarily affected Woolworths Peanut Butter Dairy Ice Cream. However, it is important to consult the National Consumer Commission (NCC) website or your local store for an updated list of recalled products, as the situation may change.
Discovery of Aflatoxins
The recent discovery of aflatoxins in South African peanut butter initially came to light in February 2024. During routine quality testing, Pick n Pay detected elevated aflatoxin levels in certain batches of their No Name brand peanut butter and another brand, Eden All-Natural Peanut Butter. This finding triggered a swift response from the National Consumer Commission (NCC).
Affected Brands
The recall of peanut butter products expanded quickly. Here’s a list of notable brands affected:
- Pick n Pay: No Name Smooth and Crunchy peanut butter.
- Eden All-Natural Peanut Butter
- Lifestyle Food Peanut Butter by Dischem: Smooth and Crunchy varieties (400g and 800g)
- Wazoogles Superfoods Peanut Butter
The Role of Routine Testing
The initial discovery by Pick n Pay highlights the critical importance of routine testing by manufacturers and retailers in ensuring food safety. These regulations and tests help minimise the risk of dangerous contaminants like aflatoxins entering the food supply.
Important Note: Woolworths and other retailers emphasise that this recall is specific to peanut butter ice cream. Standalone peanut butter products from these brands remain safe for consumption.
According to the Daily Maverick, Woolworths stated that it has systematically reviewed all secondary products that contain peanut butter, such as biscuits, sauces, pretzels, energy bars, and ice cream as a precautionary measure.
“As a result of this process, it was found that Woolworths Peanut Butter Ice Cream contains aflatoxin levels that exceed the legal limit; we are therefore removing it from shelves,” Woolworths said.
What to do if you purchased the recalled ice cream:
If you bought peanut butter ice cream recently, check the brand and batch information. You can return any recalled products to the store where you purchased them for a full refund.
Woolworths highlighted: “At Woolworths, we are committed to exceptional quality. Our rigorous food safety management processes ensure that all food that we produce, package, and sell, delivers the Woolies quality our customers expect and trust.”
Related: Alarm Over Peanut Butter Recall in South Africa Due to Aflatoxins.
Staying Informed
Monitor news outlets and the NCC website for updates and a comprehensive list of affected brands and products.
Conclusion
The recent recalls of South African peanut butter ice cream serve as a critical reminder of the importance of food safety standards and vigilance in quality testing. Consumers are urged to remain informed about affected brands, return potentially contaminated products, and consult reliable sources like the NCC for updated information. Remember, if you’re unsure whether your favourite ice cream has been recalled, it’s always better to be cautious.
