More peanut butter pulled from shelves in South Africa – Clover in the hot seat

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) is looking into Clover after it notified the Commission that it recalled over 10,000 units of Go Nuts Peanut Butter – becoming the sixth brand to be recalled in South Africa.

In a statement released on Friday (8 March 2024), the NCC said it was investigating Clover for alleged contraventions of the Consumer Protection Act.

Clover informed the Commission that they had recalled 10,776 units of Go Nuts Peanut Butter 400g, following numerous tests that revealed higher than acceptable levels of Aflatoxin – as set out under R1145 Regulation Governing Tolerance of Fungus-Produced Toxins in Foodstuffs.

According to the Cancer Institute, Aflatoxins are a family of toxins produced by certain fungi found on agricultural crops, including staples. Exposure to aflatoxins is associated with an increased risk of liver cancer, the group said.

“Upon receiving the Notification from Clover (PTY) Ltd, the Commission assessed the recall and established some inconsistencies with the CPA,” said Acting NCC Commissioner Thezi. Mabuza.

Consumers who have Clover Go Nuts Peanut 400g with the best-before dates listed below are urged to stop consuming the product and return it to the point of purchase for a full refund:

• Best Before 12, 18, and 19 June 2025,
• Best Before 19 July 2025.

The recall by Clover comes after the Commission received five peanut butter recalls.

The other recalled products are:

• Dischem’s Lifestyle 400 grams Smooth and Crunchy;
• Dischem’s Lifestyle 800 grams Smooth and Crunchy;
• Wazoogles Superfoods (all sizes starting from 32g to 20kg);
• Pick n’ Pay’s No Name 1kg Smooth; and
• Eden All Natural
• Woolworths Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Following these recalls, the NCC called on all producers, manufacturers, and suppliers of peanut butter, peanut butter-based products, and products containing peanuts to immediately test their products for Aflatoxin levels and submit their results to the NCC.

Mabuza noted that the NCC’s calls to these products’ suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors have been eye-openers.

“From the test results that the Commission received, there is an indication that suppliers were not compliant with their protocols and regulations.

“We expect suppliers, specifically the retailers, to recall those non-compliant brands immediately. This is to ensure that we protect South African consumers from further harm,” she said.

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