Coles Recalls 1kg Peanut Butters Over Aflatoxin Risk
Nationwide Recall Triggers Health Concerns
Coles has recalled two peanut butter products over concerns of toxic aflatoxin contamination. The recall affects Coles Smooth Peanut Butter and Coles Crunchy Peanut Butter, both in one-kilogram jars, sold between May 1 and June 30. The affected products were available in-store and online across Australia and carried a best-before date of February 5, 2027.
Food Authority Issues Public Warning
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) issued a recall notice warning consumers not to consume the products. “Consumers should not eat this product. Consumers should return the product(s) to the place of purchase for a full refund,” FSANZ stated on Monday. Coles apologised for the recall and urged customers to contact its customer care line on 1800 061 562 for further details.
Coles recalled its two peanut butter
Contamination Linked To Cancer-Causing Toxin
FSANZ confirmed the products may contain aflatoxins, a group of toxins produced by specific fungi. These fungi thrive on crops such as peanuts, maize, tree nuts, and cottonseed, especially in warm and humid environments. Aflatoxins pose significant risks to human health, with exposure linked to liver cancer. FSANZ stressed that “human dietary exposure to aflatoxins, especially from potentially rich sources such as oilseeds (e.g. peanuts) and tree nuts (e.g. pistachio), should be kept as low as reasonably achievable.”
Retail And Product Details
- Product names: Coles Smooth Peanut Butter 1kg and Coles Crunchy Peanut Butter 1kg
- Best-before date: 5 February 2027
- Retail period: 1 May to 30 June 2025
- Retailers: All Coles supermarkets and online platforms Australia-wide
Previous Contamination Incidents In Australia
Between January 2007 and February 2016, Australia recorded two other food recalls due to aflatoxin contamination. Those incidents involved imported peanuts and pistachios. The new recall marks another reminder of the potential risks linked to agricultural storage and processing.
Health Risks Associated With Aflatoxins
FSANZ explained that “the symptoms of aflatoxicosis are dose-related with large doses leading to acute illness and death, usually through liver cirrhosis.” It further stated that “long-term sublethal doses have nutritional and immunologic consequences, while all doses have a cumulative effect on the risk of liver cancer.” FSANZ also warned that aflatoxins are “acutely and chronically toxic to animals, including humans.” Anyone concerned about health impacts should seek medical advice promptly.
Scientific Background Of Aflatoxins
Aflatoxins are produced by fungi species such as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. A micrograph shows spore formation in Aspergillus, highlighting the biological mechanism behind toxin production. These fungi commonly contaminate crops during harvesting, handling, or storage phases.
A micrograph of an Aspergillus spore, a type of fungus that produces cancer-causing aflatoxin
Exposure Routes And Affected Groups
Humans are exposed to aflatoxins by consuming contaminated food products. These include peanuts, corn, and tree nuts. Meat and dairy from animals fed contaminated feed may also contribute to exposure. Agricultural workers risk inhaling dust from affected crops or feed.
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Cancer Risks And Global Comparisons
Health authorities link aflatoxin exposure with a higher incidence of liver cancer. While the United States has not reported an outbreak linked to aflatoxins, outbreaks have occurred in developing nations. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regularly tests high-risk foods like peanuts and peanut butter. Consumers are encouraged to buy reputable brands and discard mouldy or discoloured nuts.
Customer Response And Refund Process
Customers in possession of the affected peanut butter jars should not consume them. Coles has advised them to return the products to any store for a full refund. Both in-store and online purchasers are eligible for the refund. FSANZ’s public notice aims to minimise health risks and alert consumers promptly.
Coles Issues Public Apology
Coles issued an apology to its customers and reinforced its commitment to food safety. The supermarket urged affected customers to call its customer care line for support and further instructions. Coles has not reported any illnesses linked to the recalled products at this time.
Conclusion And Consumer Safety Advice
The recall highlights the importance of food safety monitoring in preventing toxic exposures. Aflatoxins pose a serious health risk if consumed in contaminated products. Consumers are urged to follow FSANZ’s guidance, avoid the affected peanut butters, and return them for a refund. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
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