Buttanutt peanut butter products have been withdrawn from shelves across South Africa after tests revealed higher-than-permitted levels of aflatoxin, a toxic substance linked to serious health risks.
The recall affects the brand’s peanut butter and chocolate peanut butter variants, which were found to contain aflatoxin levels exceeding legal safety limits.
According to the National Consumer Commission (NCC), consumers are strongly advised not to consume the affected products and to return them to the point of purchase.
Prudence Moilwa from the NCC confirmed the findings following laboratory testing.
“From the testing, we were able to determine higher than legally acceptable levels of aflatoxin,” she said. “What is important to highlight is that the product should not be consumed and returned to the point of sale.”
The Cancer Institute has warned that exposure to aflatoxins can pose both immediate and long-term health risks. Short-term symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, while prolonged exposure has been associated with more serious conditions, including liver damage and liver cancer.
Consumers who may have eaten the product and experience related symptoms are urged to seek medical attention and report the matter to the commission.
The NCC said it will continue monitoring the situation to ensure consumer safety and compliance with food safety regulations. Until then, it’s one jar best left unopened.