Warning Issued: Contaminated Pet Food Stolen in Gauteng
RCL Foods, a prominent South African consumer goods company, has issued an urgent warning regarding the sale and use of stolen dry pet food that was condemned due to potential contamination with Salmonella. The unsafe products, stolen from a waste management facility in eastern Gauteng, could pose serious health risks to both pets and humans.
Background of the Incident
RCL Foods discovered that certain batches of pet food, which were meant for destruction in late January and February, have been illicitly sold through informal channels across Gauteng. Cities affected include Germiston, Boksburg, Benoni, and Alberton. The condemned products have appeared on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, raising alarms about their safety.
Health Risks Associated with Contaminated Pet Food
Quality control measures indicated the presence of Salmonella in the affected batches. Consequently, these products were never approved for sale and were issued certificates of destruction. RCL Foods’ CEO, Paul Cruickshank, emphasized, “Our overriding concern is for the health and wellbeing of shoppers and their pets.” He further urged consumers to report any possession of the stolen products to protect their animals.
Investigation and Regulatory Action
The company has initiated an investigation in collaboration with independent forensic experts and relevant authorities to determine how the condemned pet food infiltrated the market. RCL Foods is prepared to take legal action against those responsible for this incident. Thankfully, there have been no reported cases of illness in pets or humans directly linked to the stolen food at this time.
Production and Quality Assurance Measures
RCL Foods temporarily halted production following the incident. The manufacturing plant has undergone thorough cleaning and sanitation, and the company plans to resume operations shortly with increased monitoring protocols. Current supplies available at retailers, pet shops, and veterinarians adhere strictly to health standards and are deemed safe for consumption.
List of Affected Products
The affected pet food spans six recognized brands. Below are some specific products and their expiration dates:
Catmor
- Catmor Dry Adult Liver 1.75 kg, exp. 8/5/2026 & 8/6/2026
- Catmor Dry Adult Tuna 1.75 kg, exp. 8/15/2026
- Catmor Dry Adult Salmon 1.75 kg, exp. 9/15/2026, 9/20/2026 & 9/21/2026
- Catmor 2in1 Dry Adult Chicken with Beef 1.5 kg, exp. 10/16/2026
Canine Cuisine
- Canine Cuisine Small–Med Adult Chicken & Rice 1.75 kg, exp. 9/15/2026
- Canine Cuisine Gravy Coated Adult 6 kg, exp. 9/16/2026
- Canine Cuisine Med–Large Adult Chicken & Rice 6 kg, exp. 8/6/2026
Bobtail 2in1
- Bobtail 2in1 Adult Gravy Coated Steak Flavour 1.5 kg, exp. 9/12/2026
- Bobtail 2in1 Puppy Milky Bones Chicken Flavour, 5.5 kg, exp. 9/11/2026
Ultra Pet
- Optiwoof All Size Breeds Adult Beef & Rice 8 kg, exp. 8/12/2026
- Superwoof Small Med Adult Chicken & Rice 12 kg, exp. 8/14/2026
Optimizor
- Optimizor Complete Adult Beef 20 kg, exp. 10/20/2026
- Optimizor Premium Adult Chicken & Rice 20 kg, exp. 9/2/2026 & 10/18/2026
Bonzo
- Bonzo Steak 7 kg, exp. 8/10/2026
Consumer Guidance
Consumers who may have purchased pet food from the condemned batches are strongly advised not to feed it to their pets and to avoid any attempts at donation or resale. Anyone who acquired these products outside established retailers or distributors since mid-January should promptly contact RCL Foods customer care for assistance. This proactive step is crucial for ensuring the safety and health of pets across the region.
