FDA Recall Ceres 100% Apple Juice From Markets Over High Levels Of Mycotoxin-Patulin

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has recalled some batches of Ceres 100% Juice on the Ghanaian market.

This follows information that the products contain high levels of mycotoxin-patulin, a food mould, above the regulatory threshold.

In a statement issued on Friday, the FDA said it has so far retrieved most of the affected batches from the market but is counting on the support of the public to retrieve the rest.

“The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) Ghana in collaboration with Transmed Ghana Limited, Accra wishes to bring to the attention of the public an ongoing recall of certain batches of Ceres 100% Apple Juice… This follows information received from the International Food Safety Network (INFOSAN) and the manufacturer of the product, Pioneer Foods Groceries (Pty) Limited, South Africa confirming that extensive laboratory tests and consultations with their local supplier of the apple juice concentrate, revealed that it contained levels of mycotoxin-patulin higher than the regulatory threshold,” it said.

“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.”

According to the World Health Organization, consuming products with high levels of mycotoxin-patulin can cause nausea, gastrointestinal issues, and vomiting.