The Acting National Consumer Commissioner has urged consumers who bought Appletiser products to immediately return them to the retailers following a recall by Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa.

The products in question are from six batches with the following description:

• Appletiser 1250ml pet – best before 07 Nov 21;
• Appletiser 750ml non-returnable glass – best before 30 May 22;
• Appletiser 275ml non-returnable glass – best before 10 Jun 22;
• Appletiser slend 330ml can – best before 18 May 22;
• Appletiser slend 330ml can – best before 19 May 22;
• Appletiser slend 330ml can – best before 23 May 22.

Acting Commissioner Thezi Mabuza says according to Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, their quality check routine including laboratory testing revealed that these batches contain toxins that were outside of the acceptable standard.

“The company says the recall of 37 362 cases distributed nationwide is as a result of the presence of mycotoxin (patulin) exceeding 50μg/l in some of the batches at levels above permitted tolerance for fungus-produced toxins in foodstuffs”.

“The risk of consuming mycotoxin (patulin) exceeding (50μg/l) may lead to vomiting, nausea and gastrointestinal symptoms. We urge consumers who bought these products from the following retailers: Makro, Pick and Pay, Boxer, OK Foods, Spar, Shoprite and Checkers, Game and Ultra Liquors to verify the best before date and if they form part of the recall, they should immediately return the products to any retail store for an exchange or replacement.”

“The Consumer Protection Act (CPA), put emphasis on consumers’ right to fair value, good quality and safety. We urge suppliers and manufactures to prioritise safety of consumers at all times.  The Commission is monitoring the recall based on its Recall Guidelines.”