This archive report was first published on 4 November 2019.
The Kenyan government has taken a crucial step in ensuring consumer safety by recalling seven peanut butter brands due to high aflatoxin levels.
According to the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the recalled brands include True nuts, Fressy, Supa meal, Nuteez, Sue's Naturals, Zesta, and Nutty by nature.
On November 4th, KEBS instructed the companies to stop manufacturing the substandard products immediately and implement corrective actions to ensure compliance with quality standards.
Aflatoxin is a natural product that is poisonous, and large doses can lead to acute poisoning (aflatoxicosis), which can be life-threatening, usually through damage to the liver.
As stated by Government Chemist official John Kibuthi in January, 'Aflatoxin is a natural product and is poisonous. We could consume it in all kinds of cereals and so the level in our country has to be different based on what we consume… It may seem little but it can be lethal.'
