WINDHOEK — The City of Windhoek has issued a public health alert, advising consumers to immediately discard or return several brands of peanut butter due to risks of aflatoxin contamination. The warning highlights a significant concern over food safety and consumer health in the capital.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the affected products include Dischem’s Lifestyle peanut butter in both 400g and 800g sizes, available in Smooth and Crunchy varieties; Wazoogles Superfoods peanut butter across all sizes; Pick ‘n Pay’s No Name brand 1kg smooth peanut butter; and Eden All-Natural peanut butter. These products have been classified as high-risk for containing aflatoxins, a group of toxins produced by certain fungi that can contaminate food crops under the right conditions.
Consumers in possession of these specified peanut butter products are urged to either dispose of them safely or return them to the purchase point for a refund. The city has taken proactive steps to mitigate the risk to public health by initiating the removal of these potentially dangerous products from all retail outlets within Windhoek.
Exposure to aflatoxins is known to cause acute health effects, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and convulsions. Long-term exposure poses even greater risks, potentially leading to serious health complications. The city’s alert aims to prevent such adverse health outcomes by informing and protecting the community.