This archive report was first published on 5 November 2019.
On November 5, 2019, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) took swift action to protect consumers by suspending 7 peanut butter products over high aflatoxin content.
Aflatoxins are a family of toxins produced by certain fungi found on agricultural crops such as maize and peanuts. KEBS has strict standards in place to ensure that food products meet quality specifications.
The suspended products include:
- True Nuts by Truenutz Kenya
- Fressy by Fressy Food Company Limited
- Supa Meal by Supacosm Products Limited
- Nuteez by Jetlak Food Limited
- Sue's Naturals by Nature's Way Health
- Zesta by Truefoods Limited
- Nutty by Nature manufactured by Target Distributors
According to a notice from KEBS, the suspensions follow test results that confirm the products' aflatoxin levels exceed the maximum limit allowed by the Standard. The Standard KS EAS 60: 2013 Peanut Butter Specification requires total aflatoxin content to stay below 15 parts per billion.
KEBS has also withdrawn the company permits, which will now bar the food processors from using the Standardization mark. The manufacturers are required to engage in corrective action to ensure their products comply with quality standards.
KEBS is working with the Ministry of Agriculture to solve the mystery behind high aflatoxin in unprocessed nuts.
