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Urgent product recall: ButtaNutt peanut butter contaminated with aflatoxin

Ashley Lechman|Published

ButtaNutt peanut butter products affected by the recent recall due to elevated aflatoxin levels.

Image: Social Media

In an urgent alert for consumers, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced a product recall regarding ButtaNutt (Pty) Ltd's peanut butter, following the detection of excessive levels of aflatoxin.

This harmful toxin, which poses serious health risks, has triggered immediate action and widespread concern among peanut butter enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers alike.

Aflatoxin is a potent carcinogen commonly found in improperly stored nuts and grains, potentially leading to severe health complications such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

The recent findings revealed that the aflatoxin content in ButtaNutt peanut butter exceeded the legally acceptable limits established by the Department of Health’s Regulation R.1145, which governs tolerance levels for fungus-produced toxins in foodstuffs.

The affected products, manufactured on 15 January 2026, include:

  • 100% Peanut 2.5 Kg - Best Before: 13/07/2027 - 214 units dispatched
  • Chocolate Peanut 250g - Best Before: 15/07/2027 - 380 units dispatched
  • 100% Peanut 1kg - Best Before: 17/07/2027 - 424 units dispatched
  • 100% Peanut 2.5 Kg - Best Before: 28/07/2027 - 1 unit dispatched

In total, 1,019 units were affected, with 168 units remaining in the market.

The recall includes products sold across various provinces, namely Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and the Western Cape.

Prominent retailers involved in the distribution include De Dekke Spar, Jackson's Real Food Market, Sea Point Spar, and several Pick'n Pay branches, among others.

Acting NCC Commissioner, Hardin Ratshisusu, urged consumers to cease consumption of any affected products immediately.

“Consumers should return the product to the point of purchase for a full refund,” he stated.

The NCC is collaborating with ButtaNutt to assess the full extent of the contamination, which may include a review of the supply chain used for sourcing raw nuts.

This recall highlights the ongoing importance of food safety and consumer protection in South Africa.

The NCC said it is actively monitoring the situation in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act, ensuring that corrective measures are taken to prevent similar issues in the future.

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