The Ministry of Health has raised an alarm over high levels of aflatoxin in several locally sold peanut butter brands.
Tests on the products from multiple manufacturers showed aflatoxin levels exceeding legal standards, leading authorities to direct a suspension of production and sale, and to call on county governments to enforce compliance.
Government Orders Withdrawal, Seizure of Affected Products
In a letter from the Ministry of Health Director General Patrick Amoth to all county public health officers, the aflatoxin levels were revealed.
“Laboratory analysis on various brands of peanut butter have shown that the products contain high levels of aflatoxin above the standard requirements. The peanut butter Total Aflatoxin acceptable limit is ≤15ppb. The following products need to be seized from the market for disposal as they are unfit for human consumption,” read part of the letter.
The Ministry of Health said laboratory analysis revealed that batches of Nutie, Kismat, Pannaj, and Muleka peanut butter contained aflatoxin levels above the limits set under Kenyan food safety standards.
| No. | Product | Batch No. | Total Aflatoxin Level (ppb) |
| 1 | 250g Nutie Peanut Butter | 230925 | 934.0 |
| 2 | 400g Nutie Peanut Butter | 160126 | 98.94 |
| 3 | 250g Kismat Peanut Butter | 100226 | 29.78 |
| 4 | 250g Kismat Peanut Butter | 161225 | 34.9 |
| 5 | 130g Kismat Peanut Butter | 070226 | 207.44 |
| 6 | 800g Kismat Peanut Butter | 161225 | 98.94 |
| 7 | 250g Pannaj Peanut Butter | 202504 | 47.7 |
| 8 | 250g Muleka Peanut Butter | B2002 | 134.4 |
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The ministry has now issued recall directives requiring all existing stock of these products to be seized from retail outlets and disposed of, as they are deemed unfit for human consumption.
County health officials have been tasked with stepping up market surveillance and conducting inspections at food processing facilities to ensure production lines are stopped until corrective measures are implemented.
Authorities also reiterated requirements under the Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Act, Cap 254, and the Public Health Act, Cap 242, to guide enforcement actions and protect consumer safety.
What Aflatoxins Are and Why They Are Dangerous
According to the National Cancer Institute, Aflatoxins are a family of toxin compounds produced by certain fungi that are found on agricultural crops such as maize, peanuts, cottonseed, and tree nuts.
The main fungi that produce aflatoxins are Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which are found in warm and humid regions.
These toxins can contaminate both raw agricultural products and processed foods like peanut butter, especially when crops are grown, stored, or processed in conditions favourable to mold growth.
The World Health Organization estimates that aflatoxins destroy 25% or more of the world’s food crops annually which are destroyed.
Aflatoxins are highly toxic to the liver. Long-term exposure can lead to liver cirrhosis and is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).
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Extremely high exposure in a short period can cause acute aflatoxicosis, which may lead to vomiting, abdominal pain, liver failure, and even death.
Chronic exposure in children has been linked to growth retardation, weakened immune systems, and delayed development.
Aflatoxins can weaken the immune system, making individuals more vulnerable to infections and reducing the effectiveness of vaccines.
Because aflatoxins are heat-stable, they can survive roasting, baking, or cooking, meaning contaminated foods like peanut butter, maize flour, and nuts can remain toxic even after processing.
