The general public has been urged to be cautious when handling fruit juice Cares 100% Apple Juice, following the ban on the consumption of juice. The ban – which was ordered by Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) – was informed by the revelations that the said juice had been tested to contain high levels of patulin. Due to that fact, the COMESA has found it essential for good health of the public that the brand be withdrawn from the market.
In the same vain, the Commission has asked the general public to be alert with sell by dates tags and inscriptions on the said banned juice brands.
According to World Health Organization, the said substance causes nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances and even vomiting. According to the recommended laboratory tests, the required level of patulin in a given drink should not exceed 50 parts per billion (microgram/kg).
It is now upon the retailers and the manufacturers organize on how the said goods would be recalled to the factory, and the buyers be given back their money. It will also be a responsibility for the buyers to be extra vigilant on the use of the product since laboratory tests have proved that the consumption of the juice would be detrimental to human health.
“If the above product were already purchased, consumers are advised to return the products to where they were purchased for a refund, or replacement,” said a statement from the COMESA. There are several African countries that were directly affected by the purchase, and are therefore asked to exercise caution when doing their routinely purchase.
Countries where the juice has been banned from the market include the DRC, Uganda, Mauritius, Namibia and South Africa. In Namibia, for instance, Woolworths supermarkets have asked their customers to return the products. “Food safety is critically important to Woolworths and we take all issues regarding the production of our foods extremely seriously. Following routine quality checks, Woolworths is recalling all Woolworths branded 100%Apple juice 200ml. cartons,” read a statement from the supermarkets.
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