Chronicle Editor
Sunday News Reporter
SOUTH African food and beverage maker Pioneer Foods has recalled its Ceres apple juice brands sold in seven Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa markets, including Zimbabwe.
The juices were found to contain high levels of patulin, a toxin that may cause nausea and stomach illness.
In a statement last week, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) Competition Commission said Pioneer Food informed it that the affected juice brands were on sale in Kenya, Uganda, Seychelles, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mauritius, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
“The Comesa Competition Commission (the “Commission”) hereby notifies the general public that Pioneer Foods is recalling certain batches of Ceres 100% apple juice.
“The recall by Pioneer Foods follows laboratory tests and engagements with local supplier of the apple juice concentrate used in the reconstruction of the concentrate into apple juice.
“The supplied concentrate contains patulin levels higher than legal threshold of 50 parts per billion (microgram/kg).
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), patulin is a form of mycotoxin.
“Consumption of high levels of patulin may cause nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances and vomiting.”
Further, consumers have been advised to “return the products where they were purchased for a refund or replacement.”
The Ceres apple juice recall comes barely a week after Pioneer Foods recalled its LiquiFruit apple juice brands sold in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia.
The recalled products are Ceres apple juice 200ml and Ceres apple 275ml sparkling glass on sale in DRC, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The condemned drinks were manufactured on14 June 2021, 21 June 2021, 28, 29 and 30 June 2021, and were due to expire after 12 months.
Online Reporter