Mandatory Recall of 400G Canned Pilchards in Tomato Sauce and Chilli Sauce

The Ministry of Health and Wellness says it is in receipt of a communication from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications, South Africa, with regards to the recall of canned 400g Pilchards in Tomato Sauce and 400g Pilchards in Chilli Sauce with immediate effect.

In a press release dated 25th February 2020, the ministry said the affected product brands include; Deep Catch, Mammas, OK Housebrand, Prime Ocean, Spar, Sunny, Shoprite Ritebrand, Cape Point, Checkers Housebrand, U Brand, Saldanha and West Point, all manufactured in 2019 by West Point Processors based in Cape Town, South Africa.

All products with the batch codes starting with ZST29 and ZSC29 on top of the can are subject to the recall.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has issued a mandatory recall to all wholesalers, supermarkets, distributors, retailers, traders and importers of the above indicated canned pilchard products with immediate effect as they are also part of the local distribution. The cause of the recall is due to a deficiency in the canning process. The Ministry urges consumers not to eat the affected products as they could be unfit for human consumption.

The public is therefore informed that customers who bought any of the affected Pilchard products to return them to the respective shops for a full refund.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue to collaborate with South African Authorities to monitor the situation and give regular updates, the release said.

For further information please contact the   Public Relations Office at 3632574 or the Food Safety and Quality Management Unit at 3632121/3632263.