Sasko halts production at a bread facility following rat contamination incident
Sasko, one of South Africa’s leading bread manufacturers, temporarily halted operations at its manufacturing plant following a shocking incident where a woman discovered a rat in her loaf of bread. The incident, which surfaced through a viral social media post, prompted widespread outrage and concerns over hygiene. Sasko responded by issuing an apology, stating that they have launched a thorough investigation into the matter. They also emphasized their commitment to stringent food safety measures, promising corrective actions to prevent future incidents.
The Back-Story
The discovery occurred when the customer, shocked by the sight of a dead rat in the bread, posted a photo on social media, which quickly garnered attention from concerned consumers. Sasko, in its statement, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and assured the public that it was addressing the issue with urgency. As part of its damage control efforts, the company announced that it would temporarily cease production at the affected facility to conduct a detailed audit of the plant’s hygiene protocols.

The Importance of Food Safety
This incident has provoked broader conversations about food safety in South Africa. Many consumers have voiced concerns over whether adequate measures are being taken by food manufacturers to ensure cleanliness and safety in production. Sasko reassured customers that once the necessary inspections and improvements are completed, production will resume under enhanced safety protocols.
Sasko’s swift response to the incident and the temporary closure of its facility emphasises the severity with which the company is treating the matter. However, questions remain about whether this will impact customer trust in the long run and how quickly the facility will resume operations after corrective measures are implemented.
Also read: Gauteng Urged to Conserve Water Amid 80 Million Cubic Metre Shortfall Over the Next Six Months