Gov't Recalls 7 Peanut Butter Brands with High Levels of Cancer-Causing Aflatoxin

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has ordered the withdrawal of seven peanut butter brands from the market after they were found to contain excess levels of cancer-causing aflatoxin.

The affected brands include Nuteez by Jetlak Foods Limited, True nuts by Truenutz Kenya, and Fressy by Fressy Food Company Limited.

Others are Supa Meal by Supacosm Products Limited, Sue’s Naturals by Nature’s Way Health, Zesta by Trufoods Limited and Nutty by Nature Target Distributors.

The manufacturers of the affected brands have been directed to discontinue and recall all the products from the market.

“The suspension follows test results undertaken by KEBS which confirm that their level of aflatoxin is higher than the maximum limit allowed by the Standard.”

“The Kenya Standard, ‘KS EAS 60: 2013, Peanut Butter – Specification’ states that the maximum total aflatoxin content, is 15 parts per billion (ppb) and gives maximum value for Aflatoxin B1 5 ppb maximum,” said KEBS in a statement.

KEBS further suspended the Standardization mark permits issued to the seven manufacturers.

“KEBS will continue to undertake surveillance of the products at the factory and market to ensure that the public is protected from harmful products,” added KEBS.

In January this year, the government recalled ‘Nuteez’ peanut butter brand countrywide after tests confirmed a contaminated batch in Nandi County.

The Government Chemists department said an analysis on the said peanut butter showed it was unfit for human consumption but the suspension was lifted after the manufacturing company, Jetlak Foods Ltd sealed the gaps identified with regard to control of incoming raw materials, production process and final product testing.