Major food product recall by Shoprite Checkers lands supplier in hot water
A supplier of hummus to Shoprite Checkers faces fines exceeding R1 million following a major recall of its products in 2024, found to contain Listeria.
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has referred the supplier, BM Foods, to the National Consumer Tribunal for adjudication following an investigation.
The manufacturer was investigated following a major recall of the hummus products in September 2024.
At the time, Shoprite Checkers initiated the recall after laboratory testing confirmed the presence of the harmful microorganism Listeria monocytogenes.
This microorganism poses serious health risks, particularly to pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened or compromised immune systems.
The NCC said its investigation was prompted by information suggesting the supplier might have contravened the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA).
Its own laboratory results confirmed the presence of the harmful microorganism Listeria monocytogenes.
“The presence of the microorganism indicated that BM Foods produced and distributed hummus that was unsafe for consumption, thus contravening [various regulations],” the NCC said.
This includes specific regulations requiring the person in charge to ensure routine assessments are conducted to comply with hygiene requirements.
The recall impacted several products:
- Traditional Hummus (125g and 300g);
- Reduced Fat Hummus (125g);
- Zataar Hummus (125g and 300g);
- Red Pepper Hummus (125g and 300g); and
- Caramelised Onion Hummus (125g).
The NCC’s Acting Commissioner, Hardin Ratshisusu, said that suppliers of foodstuffs have an obligation under the CPA and applicable regulations to supply goods that are safe and do not pose a risk to consumers.
“It is therefore important that where there are findings of the violation of the CPA, implicated suppliers are held accountable before the tribunal,” he said.
The NCC has referred this matter to the Tribunal and has pleaded for the imposition of a fine of R1 million or 10% of BM Foods’ annual turnover, whichever is higher.
South Africa has experienced 18 recalls so far this year, with four in April 2026 alone.
The latest recall issued by the NCC is a product safety recall directed at health facilities and medical practitioners for various delivery systems.
This followed a recall notice for wireless power banks, certain Jaguar Land Rover Defender and I-PACE vehicles, as well as for certain Ford Ranger XLT, Wildtrak, Ford Puma, and Hino 700 vehicles.
The bulk of recalls happened in March, when eight recall notices were issued for various vehicles and food products, including Made for Tots Corn Puffs Chicken and various brands of dry dog and cat food.
The busy March period followed a more muted January and February, where a combined six recalls were issued, the most notable of which was ButtaNutt peanut butter being pulled from shelves.
The peanut butter was pulled after tests revealed higher-than-legally-permitted levels of aflatoxin in some of the branded products.
Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by certain fungi that can contaminate agricultural crops, including peanuts, and is regulated in South Africa due to the health risks it poses.
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