Popular peanut butter pulled from shelves over health risk

Peanut butter sold in several provinces has been recalled after tests detected unsafe levels of a harmful toxin linked to serious health complications. The National Consumer Commission (NCC) stated that selected ButtaNutt peanut butter spreads were removed from shelves after higher-than-allowed levels of aflatoxin were detected. The commission said it received a recall notification from the manufacturer yesterday.

The affected products were manufactured on January 15, 2026, and were sold in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape through various retailers, reportsThe Witness. The NCC said the products failed to meet quality standards set out under the Department of Health’s Regulation R.1145, which governs tolerance levels of fungus-produced toxins in food. “Aflatoxin may lead to health complications, including nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain,” the commission said.

Aflatoxins are highly toxic compounds produced by certain fungi and are commonly found in crops such as maize, peanuts and tree nuts, particularly in warm and humid conditions. Long-term exposure has been linked to liver damage and cancer. Consumers have been urged to stop eating the affected products immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

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NCC acting commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu said the commission is engaging the supplier to determine the extent of the contamination. “This includes whether the source may be linked to the supplier of the raw nuts,” Ratshisusu said. The commission said it is monitoring the recall in line with the Consumer Protection Act.

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