R500,000 fine for peanut butter maker following Dis-Chem and Pick n Pay product recalls

The National Consumer Tribunal (Tribunal) has endorsed a significant settlement agreement between the National Consumer Commission (NCC) and House of Natural Butters (Pty) Ltd, trading as Eden All Butters.

In the ruling, the Tribunal confirmed the settlement which included an administrative fine of R500,000 against the supplier.

The legal proceedings stemmed from alarming recall notifications issued in February 2024 by major retailers Dis-Chem and Pick 'n Pay, which reported elevated levels of aflatoxin in certain peanut butter products.

Upon investigating the origins of these products, the NCC discovered that both retailers sourced their peanut butter from House of Natural Butters.

In response, the supplier initiated a widespread product recall, effective from February 2, to remove the affected items from the market.

Further investigation by the NCC revealed troubling practices within the supplier's operations. Between May 11, 2023, and November 6, 2023,

House of Natural Butters had imported and distributed contaminated, decayed, and impure peanuts and related products to shops across South Africa, breaching established food safety regulations and consumer protection laws.

The NCC's inquiry established that House of Natural Butters violated regulations concerning the tolerance of fungus-produced toxins in foodstuffs.

Notably, the Tribunal highlighted deficiencies in compliance, pointing out that the supplier imported peanuts from Malawi and Zambia via land borders without the necessary certificates for food transportation.

Laboratory results corroborated that the products were not only impure but also decayed, raising serious health concerns.

While the Tribunal's consent order brings resolution to the case against House of Natural Butters, it is important to note that inquiries into another implicated peanut butter manufacturer continue.

Acting Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu said, “The NCC welcomes this consent order as it brings this matter against House of Natural Butters to a finality. It is incumbent upon suppliers of food products in the South African market to ensure strict compliance with food safety regulations and the Consumer Protection Act.”

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