Elgin Fruit Juice (PTY) LTD is being investigated by the National Consumer Commission. The company, which is based in Grabouw in the Western Cape, may potentially be the source of the apple juice concentrate which was distributed to the fruit juice manufacturers which are involved in the recent spate of recalls.
The first recall to be made public was from Coca-Cola South Africa - implementing a recall for Appletiser products. At the same time, a recall was done in Australia, also for Appletiser products originating in South Africa.
Shortly after this, Pioneer Foods issued a recall of certain LiquiFruit and Ceres apple juice products, stating "elevated levels of patulin".
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Patulin is a naturally forming mycotoxin. Patulin has been mostly observed in apple and apple-based goods including juices and ciders, but it can also be found on other products including spices, cereals, fruits, and vegetables. Find out more about the risks of patulin.
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Woolworths is the latest company to recall some of its branded apple juice cartons, for similar issues.
The products under recall all contain patulin levels exceeding 50 parts per billion, or 50 micrograms per kg, which is outside of acceptable levels, according to the
Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food and Feed.
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has now launched an investigation into the conduct of Elgin Fruit Juice (PTY) LTD.
According to Acting National Consumer Commissioner, Thezi Mabuza, based on information provided to the NCC, the Commission has reasonable grounds to believe that Elgin Fruit Juice, the supplier of 100% Apple Juice Concentrate, supplied goods that are unsafe or pose a potential risk to the public.
Should Elgin Fruit Juice be found culpable in the investigation, the Commission will refer the matter to the National Consumer Tribunal.
