R500,000 Fine for Peanut Butter Maker: Aflatoxin Contamination in South Africa

South African Peanut Butter Maker Fined R500,000 After Aflatoxin Contamination On June 11, 2025, House of Natural Butters, a South African peanut butter producer, was fined R500,000 for distributing products contaminated with aflatoxin, a cancer-causing substance. This follows a recall of thousands of jars of peanut butter from major retailers Pick n Pay and Dis-Chem in February 2024. The National Consumer Commission launched an investigation after the recall, leading to the substantial fine. The National Consumer Tribunal facilitated a settlement agreement between the commission and House of Natural Butters. While the exact details of the contamination remain unclear, the incident highlights the importance of food safety regulations and the consequences of non-compliance. "This settlement underscores the seriousness of food safety violations and the commitment to protecting consumers," said a spokesperson for the National Consumer Commission. The fine serves as a warning to other food producers to maintain the highest standards of quality and safety. The incident has raised awareness among South African consumers about the potential dangers of contaminated food products, prompting increased scrutiny of food safety practices within the industry.