Urgent Recall: Clicks Group’s Made for Tots Corn Puffs Due to Listeria Contamination
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has issued a significant recall affecting the Made for Tots Corn Puffs Chicken 12g, a snack aimed at young children, due to contamination concerns. This decision follows health concerns after testing revealed Listeria contamination in certain products supplied by the Clicks Group.
Details of the Recall
The impacted batch includes a total of 1,152 units, with 348 units already sold to consumers before the recall was initiated. The remaining 804 units have been successfully removed from shelves to prevent further sales. The specific batch can be identified by the following details:
- Identifying number: 396194
- Manufacturing date (MGF): 03.03.26
- Lot number: 6:003
- Best-before date: 02.03.2027
Consumers are advised to inspect their purchases closely to check if they have any of the affected products.
Understanding Listeria Risks
The type of Listeria identified in these products is generally considered non-pathogenic to humans. However, the NCC has acknowledged that there are rare instances where it has been linked to human illnesses. As such, the commission strongly encourages customers not to consume the recalled product.
Return and Refund Process
Customers who possess the affected Made for Tots Corn Puffs are urged to return them to any Clicks store for a full refund or replacement, even without proof of purchase. The NCC is actively overseeing the recall process to ensure it complies with South Africa’s consumer protection laws.
Impact on Consumers
The NCC’s acting commissioner, Hardin Ratshisusu, emphasized the importance of supplier accountability during this incident. In light of World Consumer Rights Day, he reminded suppliers of their obligation to maintain the safety and quality of their products. “When products fail to meet essential safety standards, it is crucial to remove them from shelves to minimize any potential harm,” Ratshisusu stated.
Recent Food Recalls in South Africa
This recall of Clicks’ Corn Puffs is not an isolated event; it follows another significant recall involving baby formula products sold in South Africa earlier in March. The NCC had previously warned consumers about the recall of two formula products manufactured by Nutricia: Aptamil Nutribiotik 2 (800g) and Aptajunior Nutribiotik 3 (800g). In total, 2,989 units of these formulations were affected, distributed nationwide through major pharmacy retailers, including Clicks and Dis-Chem.
Nutricia initiated this recall after discovering that a raw material used in production could contain traces of cereulide, a toxin that can lead to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps in high exposures. Consumers who purchased these affected formulas were encouraged to contact Nutricia for further details on the recall process.
Conclusion
The NCC’s proactive approach in monitoring product safety and enforcing compliance with consumer protection laws is crucial in safeguarding public health. For more information on the latest recalls and food safety standards, visit the [National Consumer Commission](https://www.ncc.gov.za/) website.
