Woolworths
Woolworths has announced a recall of its peanut butter ice cream due to potential health risks, in a step mirroring recent wider industry concerns regarding Aflatoxin levels. The recall decision was communicated shortly after the National Consumer Commission called for various peanut butter products to be pulled from South African markets, including those from brands like Dischem’s Lifestyle, Wazoogles Superfoods, Pick n Pay’s No Name Brand, and Eden All Natural.
The worrying presence of Aflatoxin, a toxin exceeding the safe legal limits, prompted these swift actions. Aflatoxin, a natural substance caused by certain fungi, can become harmful to humans if consumed in large quantities.
In a press release on Friday, Woolworths clarified the extent of the recall within its own brand: “Only our peanut butter ice cream is being recalled. All other Woolworths products containing peanut butter, including our range of Peanut Butter, remains 100% safe for consumption,” ensuring customers that the recall is both targeted and precautionary.
Further commenting on the processes behind this recall, Woolworths reassured the public: “Since the initial recalls were announced by others in the industry, Woolworths has systematically assessed all secondary products that contain peanut butter, such as biscuits, sauces, pretzels, energy bars and ice cream. This was done as a precautionary measure to ensure all our products meet our stringent quality standards. 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,” the group explained.
The retailer has urged consumers who have purchased their peanut butter ice cream to return the item to their nearest Woolworths branch for a full refund