Peanut Butter Recall Highlights the Importance of Aflatoxin Testing
A major peanut butter recall in South Africa has once again drawn attention to the risks posed by aflatoxins — toxic compounds produced by mould that can contaminate peanuts and other crops. In early February 2026, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) announced a voluntary recall of selected ButtaNutt peanut butter products after routine internal testing detected aflatoxin levels significantly above the legally permitted limit. ncc
The affected products, made on 15 January 2026 and carrying various mid‑2027 best‑before dates, were distributed across several provinces including Gauteng, KwaZulu‑Natal, the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape.iol In addition to South African markets, there are concerns the product could also have appeared on shelves in neighbouring countries such as Zimbabwe, where South African peanut butter imports are common, prompting authorities and consumers there to be alert to the recall. Consumers were advised to stop consuming these products immediately and return them for a full refund. Herald
Aflatoxins, especially Aflatoxin B1, are considered among the most potent naturally occurring toxins and are known to cause liver damage and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. They are produced by certain Aspergillus mould species, which can grow on peanuts when storage or processing conditions are not optimal. BFD
Why Accurate Testing Matters
Peanut butter is a high-fat, complex food matrix, making accurate detection of aflatoxins challenging. Traditional testing methods can struggle with fat interference or inconsistent extraction. That’s why validated ELISA kits are essential for reliable screening and regulatory compliance.
One such tool is the BFD Total Aflatoxin ELISA kit, designed to detect the combined presence of aflatoxin types B1, B2, G1 and G2 in food products. Our kit achieves sensitive detection with a limit of detection suitable for peanut matrices and is validated for use with peanuts and nut products — including peanut butter.
Protecting Consumers and Producers
Recalls like this underscore the importance of robust food safety systems and proactive quality control testing. Using reliable tools such as the BFD Total Aflatoxin and Aflatoxin B1 ELISA kit helps manufacturers catch contamination early, protect consumers and avoid costly recalls.
While immediate health risks from a single serving of contaminated peanut butter are generally low, consistent testing minimises long-term exposure risks and supports confidence in the food supply.
