South African food and beverage manufacturer Pioneer Foods has recalled its Ceres apple juice brands that sells in Ghana and other common markets in African countries due to contamination of mould toxins.
The recalled brands were detected to have elevated levels of patulin – a fruit-based mould which when consumed can cause nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances, and vomiting, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
It comes after confirmation from the International Food Safety Network (INFOSAN) and manufacturer of the product Pioneer Foods Groceries Limited that the fruit juice contain levels of mycotoxin-patulin higher than the regulatory threshold.
According to the FDA, most of the affected batches of the Ceres 100% Apple Juice have been successfully retrieved.
It says its market surveillance team is working hard to have all the affected batches of the fruit juice removed from the Ghanaian market.
The Authority is, however, urging consumers in possession of the Ceres 100% Apple Juice to return the product to the Authority or importer of the product, Transmed Ghana Limited.
“It is important to note that so far, most of the affected batches have been successfully retrieved and this includes all the 1 Litre pack sizes.“
“The FDA’s Market Surveillance team is therefore working earnestly with the importer to remove all the affected products in trade and is calling on persons in possession of the above products to return them to any of the depots of Transmed Ghana Limited, nationwide or to any FDA offices across the country.
“The FDA assured the public that it will continue to monitor the situation and keep the public updated.”
Below is the full FDA statement:
