Coles Issues Urgent Nationwide Recall of Peanut Butter Over Cancer-Causing Aflatoxin Contamination
Coles, one of Australia’s leading supermarket chains, has launched an immediate nationwide recall of its own-brand peanut butter after detecting contamination with aflatoxin — a potent biotoxin linked to liver cancer in humans. This urgent action affects 1-kilogram tubs of both smooth and crunchy varieties, specifically those with the expiration date of February 5, 2027.
Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) issued a firm consumer alert on Monday, urging anyone with the affected peanut butter to stop consumption immediately. The recall covers products sold across Australia, both in-store and online, highlighting the broad distribution and serious health risk involved.
How to Identify the Affected Products
Consumers should carefully check their peanut butter tubs. Only 1-kilogram containers of Coles Peanut Butter, smooth and crunchy, bearing the expiration date 05/02/2027 are subject to the recall. Products with other expiration dates are not affected.
Coles and food safety authorities are acting swiftly to ensure consumer safety and prevent any health issues related to this contamination.
Coles Urgent Peanut Butter Recall: What You Need to Know About Aflatoxin Contamination
Coles has issued a nationwide recall for its own-brand peanut butter after detecting contamination with aflatoxin, a harmful toxin linked to liver cancer. This recall is focused on 1-kilogram tubs of both smooth and crunchy peanut butter with the expiration date February 5, 2027. If you have this product at home, it’s essential to check the date immediately and stop consuming it.
Why Is This Recall Important?
- Limited Batch: The contamination is confined to a specific batch, so not all Coles peanut butter products are affected.
- Widespread Distribution: The recalled peanut butter was sold across Australia—both in physical stores and online—making this recall extensive.
- Serious Health Risk: Aflatoxin is a dangerous biotoxin that can cause severe liver damage and cancer.
What Is Aflatoxin?
Aflatoxin is a toxic substance produced by certain molds (mainly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus) that grow on crops like nuts, grains, and oilseeds under warm and humid conditions. These toxins are:
- Classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), meaning they are proven to cause cancer in humans.
- Linked to chronic liver cancer after long-term exposure.
- Capable of causing immediate liver damage if ingested in large amounts.
Health Implications
Consuming aflatoxin-contaminated products may cause illness or injury. The risk is higher with continuous exposure, but even a single ingestion of high levels can be harmful. If you have eaten the affected peanut butter and feel unwell, or have health concerns, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.
What Should Consumers Do?
- Check your peanut butter tubs: Only 1-kg smooth or crunchy Coles Peanut Butter with the expiration date 05/02/2027 is recalled.
- Stop eating it immediately.
- Return the product: Bring it back to any Coles store for a full refund—no receipt required.
- Online customers: Contact Coles Online Customer Care for a refund or credit.
Coles is committed to consumer safety and has made the refund process simple to encourage compliance.
How Did This Happen?
Aflatoxin contamination can occur during crop growth, harvesting, storage, or processing if environmental conditions allow mold growth. Peanuts are particularly vulnerable. Despite multiple quality controls, contamination occasionally occurs, highlighting the ongoing challenges in food safety management.
What Is Being Done?
- Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) responded quickly with an official warning and recall.
- Coles and suppliers are reviewing quality control procedures to prevent future incidents.
- The recall underscores the importance of strict monitoring throughout the food supply chain, especially for high-risk products.
Preventing Future Risks
Preventing aflatoxin contamination requires careful control at every step:
- Farmers must manage moisture and temperature during crop production and storage.
- Regular testing is critical to catch contamination early.
- Climate change may increase contamination risks, demanding ongoing adaptation of safety protocols.
- Educating consumers about proper food storage helps reduce mold growth.
Final Advice
This recall is a serious reminder of the vigilance needed to keep food safe. If you have the affected Coles peanut butter, check your tubs now, stop consumption, and return the product for a refund. If you have any health concerns, speak with a medical professional.
For further information or assistance, contact Coles directly or visit their website.