Nationwide Recall Issued for Multiple Dry Pet Foods Due to Mycotoxin Contamination
- Karen Scheepers
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) issued an urgent alert on 21 November 2025, notifying pet owners across South Africa of the recall of several dry dog and cat food products manufactured by RCL Foods.
The recall affects more than 55,352 bags of well-known pet food brands produced between 26–29 May, 4–5 June, and 17 June 2025. Laboratory testing identified elevated levels of Deoxynivalenol (DON), a naturally occurring mycotoxin in maize, in certain batches used during the production process. DON levels in affected products exceeded the acceptable threshold of 1,000 ppb (1 ppm), posing potential health risks to pets, including loss of appetite and digestive discomfort.
Background to the Recall
RCL Foods informed the NCC after internal quality checks revealed increased DON levels in maize supplied for pet food production. Mycotoxins such as DON can occur in grains under specific environmental conditions and are harmful when ingested by pets in high concentrations.
The NCC has urged all pet owners to immediately stop feeding the affected products to their animals and return the items to any retailer for a full refund, with or without proof of purchase. The Commission will monitor compliance under the Consumer Protection Act.
List of Affected Products
The recall spans multiple well-known brands and product sizes. Below is the full list extracted from the product-recall document. Affected-Product-List
Bobtail – Dog Food
Product | Pack Size | Barcode | Production Date |
Adult Medium/Large Dry Chicken | 8 kg | 6001069036010 | 28–29 May 2025 |
Adult Medium/Large Dry Steak | 8 kg | 6001069036034 | 28 May 2025 |
Adult Medium/Large Dry Steak | 25 kg | 6001069036072 | 28–29 May 2025 |
Catmor – Cat Food
Product | Pack Size | Barcode | Production Date |
2:1 Kitten Milky Balls | 1.5 kg | 6001069604103 | 27 May 2025 |
Adult Dry Chicken | 10 kg | 6001069605384 | 28–29 May 2025 |
Adult Dry Liver | 1.75 kg | 6001069034429 | 28–29 May 2025 |
Adult Dry Salmon | 1.75 kg | 6001069035365 | 5 June 2025 |
Adult Dry Tuna | 1.75 kg | 6001069034412 | 5 June 2025 |
Adult Dry Tuna | 4 kg | 6001069636319 | 28 May & 5 June 2025 |
Canine Cuisine – Dog Food
Product | Pack Size | Barcode | Production Date |
Small Adult Chicken & Rice | 1.75 kg | 6001069601164 | 4 June 2025 |
Small Adult Chicken & Rice | 6 kg | 6001069602093 | 4 June 2025 |
Optimizor – Dog Food
Product | Pack Size | Barcode | Production Date |
Premium Adult Chicken & Rice | 8 kg | 6001069603915 | 17 June 2025 |
Ultra Pet – Dog Food
Product | Pack Size | Barcode | Production Date |
Optiwoof Adult Beef & Rice | 25 kg | 6001069605681 | 26 & 29 May 2025 |
Optiwoof All Puppy All Breeds | 20 kg | 6001069601973 | 26 & 29 May 2025 |
Superwoof – Dog Food
Product | Pack Size | Barcode | Production Date |
Large Dog Dry Beef & Rice | 8 kg | 6001069601485 | 29 May 2025 |
Small Dog Dry Turkey | 3 kg | 6001069603595 | 28 May 2025 |
Large Dog Dry Turkey & Rice | 8 kg | 6001069601539 | 29 May 2025 |
Large Dog Dry Turkey & Rice | 20 kg | 6001069601546 | 29 May 2025 |
Health Concerns and What Pet Owners Should Do
Pets exposed to high levels of DON may experience symptoms such as:
Reduced appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Lethargy
Digestive discomfort
Owners who notice these signs are advised to consult a veterinarian immediately. Consumers are encouraged to return any affected product, regardless of the condition of the packaging or whether proof of purchase is available. Retailers have been instructed to honour refunds and remove affected stock from shelves.
Wrap-up
This recall represents one of the more significant pet-food interventions in recent years. The NCC’s oversight and RCL Foods’ notification underscore the importance of rigorous safety controls in the pet-food supply chain. As recalls continue to be monitored, both pet owners and retailers are urged to remain vigilant and follow all official notices to ensure the wellbeing of animals nationwide.
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