{"id":845407,"date":"2025-12-03T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/?p=845407"},"modified":"2025-12-03T15:05:59","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T13:05:59","slug":"warning-to-pet-owners-in-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/business\/845407\/warning-to-pet-owners-in-south-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"Warning to pet owners in South Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has issued<\/a> a warning to South African pet owners following the recall of certain batches of dry dog and cat food by RCL Foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The recall affects multiple product brands, including Bobtail, Catmor, Canine Cuisine, Optimizor, Ultra Pet, and Superwoof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In total, about 55,352 cases were produced between 26 and 29 May, 4 and 5 June, and 17 June 2025 and distributed nationwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RCL Foods, the JSE-listed food producer, identified elevated levels of deoxynivalenol (DON) in specific batches of maize used to manufacture the affected pet food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DON is a naturally occurring mycotoxin produced by moulds that grow on grains such as maize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the mycotoxin is generally considered safe at levels below 1,000 parts per billion (ppb), the affected batches contained levels exceeding 1,000 ppb, or 1 part per million (ppm).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDeoxynivalenol (DON) is a naturally occurring mycotoxin produced by specific moulds that can grow on grains such as maize, which are tested as part of our quality management systems,\u201d said RCL Foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe presence of DON in these products originated from raw materials used during production.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAt elevated levels, it typically causes pets to refuse to eat, and if ingested, may lead to temporary digestive upset.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The company emphasised that only the batches produced on the dates listed above are affected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAll other RCL Foods products have been thoroughly tested and are safe to feed pets,\u201d the company added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The NCC advised pet owners to immediately stop feeding their pets the affected products and return them to the point of purchase. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPet owners must stop feeding their pets the affected products and should return these to the retailer for a full refund, with or without proof of purchase,\u201d said the NCC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The commission will monitor the recall to ensure compliance with the Consumer Protection Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RCL Foods reassured consumers that safety remains a priority. \u201cThe affected products originated from raw materials that were found to have elevated levels of DON.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur quality management systems test for these mycotoxins, and we are taking all necessary steps to remove the affected batches from circulation,\u201d the company said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pet owners who have purchased any of the affected batches are urged to check the production dates on their packaging and return the product for a refund or replacement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vigilance is critical, as the elevated DON levels can cause loss of appetite and digestive discomfort in pets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n