The NCC said Shoprite Checkers notified them of a product recall of the Deli Hummus range following the detection of Listeria Monocytogenes, a species of foodborne bacteria.
An interim investigation report provided to the National Consumer Commission (NCC) by Shoprite Checkers following the recall of the Deli Hummus range manufactured by BM Foods, has pointed to areas of concern on product handling at the manufacturing level.
The NCC said Shoprite Checkers notified them of a product recall of the Deli Hummus range on September 16, following the detection of Listeria Monocytogenes, a species of foodborne bacteria.
This comes after the NCC this week also confirmed the recall of the Top Score Instant Porridge brand produced in Namibia and supplied to the Spar Group in South Africa.
Namib Mills, launched an investigation after three children died, allegedly after consuming the product in the Eastern Cape.
The affected Deli Hummus products are: Traditional Hummus (125g and 300g); Reduced Fat Hummus (125g); Zataar Hummus (125g and 300g); Red Pepper Hummus (125g and 300g); and Caramelised Onion Hummus (125g).
The respective sell-by dates of the products are September 10, 2024 to October 8, 2024.
“Subsequent to the product recall notification, and in line with Section 60 of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008, Shoprite Checkers has now provided an interim Investigation Report to the NCC on the Deli Hummus range.
“The preliminary findings of the report point to some areas of concern on product handling at the manufacturing level, however, the NCC awaits a final report from Shoprite Checkers,” the NCC said.
Parallel to the said in-house processes, the NCC said it is independently investigating the recalled products on identified operational issues that pertain to food safety.
The NCC’s Acting Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu, urged consumers to return the products to the supplier for a full refund with or without any proof of purchase.
“At this stage, the NCC is not able to determine the extent of the distribution of the products as this is the subject of an investigation. Suppliers are urged not to distribute these products further until the investigation is finalised,” Ratshisusu said.
On the Namib Mills instant porridge recall, the NCC said there is a separate investigation under way, including laboratory analysis, by relevant authorities in the Buffalo City Metro, where safety concerns of the product were first raised.
“The NCC awaits the outcome of this investigation as it will inform the steps the NCC can take in terms of the Consumer Protection Act. In the interim, the NCC is separately investigating the product recall, especially given the potential public health concerns,” the NCC said.
Cape Times
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