ButtaNutt recalls peanut butter products due to elevated aflatoxin levels

SOUTH African health-focused food company ButtaNutt has recalled specific batches of peanut butter after detecting elevated aflatoxin levels during routine testing.

While the company assures that acute health risks are minimal, consumers are advised to check their products and return affected items for a full refund.

The company said the aflatoxin levels exceeded the regulatory limit of 10 parts per billion (ppb).

Internal tests revealed that the most affected batch contained aflatoxin levels of 46 ppb, with a follow-up test confirming 28 ppb. In response, the company has acted swiftly to safeguard consumer health and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Understanding the health risks

As concerns grow, they have also has provided essential context surrounding the health implications linked to aflatoxins, naturally occurring toxins produced by certain moulds found on crops.

Experts highlight a distinction between acute exposure where a consumer might consume contaminated products on a singular occasion and chronic exposure that arises from long-term consumption over many years.

• Acute exposure: Rarely results in immediate health issues. A conscious effort is made to clarify that consumption of even a standard serving size of the affected peanut butter is unlikely to result in acute toxic effects.
• Chronic exposure: Associated with more severe health risks, primarily concerning liver health, which becomes a factor if contaminated food is consumed greatly and consistently over decades.

The scientific consensus indicates that an adult would realistically have to consume more than 2.4 kg of peanut butter laden with aflatoxin levels of 500 ppb at least three times a week to face potential acute toxic effects, easing concerns for most consumers.

Affected products and return instructions

ButtaNutt has confirmed that the bulk of implicated stock is secured, though approximately 83 individual units currently remain in consumer possession. The following products are subject to the recall:

• ButtaNutt Chocolate Peanut Butter 250g: BB 15/07/2027
• ButtaNutt 100% Peanut Butter 1kg: BB 17/07/2027
• ButtaNutt 100% Peanut 2.5kg: BB 13/07/2027
• ButtaNutt 100% Peanut 2.5kg: BB 28/07/2027

The recalled products were available at various retailers, including Jacksons Real Food Market (both Kyalami and Bryanston), Irene Farmstall, PnP Scottburgh, Sea Point Spar, Stellenbosch Superspar (Helshoogte), Sonstraal Spar, and Wilderness Spar, as well as the ButtaNutt online shop and Factory Shop in Paarl.

The company has urged customers to refrain from consuming or disposing of them. Instead, please return them to the store from where they were purchased for a full refund. For online orders, consumers should provide photographic evidence and quantities on hand to facilitate product collection.

As health and safety remain paramount, the company reassures consumers of its commitment to product integrity and transparency, aiming to prioritise public health while adhering to all regulatory compliance standards.

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