Product: Rhodes Brand Mild and Hot Chakalaka

During a routine pre-labeling quality inspection, Rhodes Food Group technical personnel detected a pH variation, which was beyond specification, in the product Rhodes Chakalaka. This was in all probability caused by a variation in the natural pH of carrots used in the product and/or an over application of carrots in the product made at that time. But as pH control is a critical parameter for this product, and deviation from specification could cause microbiological spoilage, Rhodes Food Group has decided to recall all Rhodes Chakalaka from the market place. This recall is voluntary and there have been no customer complaints regarding this product.

Although the affected product is only from production dates September and October 2009, Rhodes Food Group prefers to recall all Rhodes Mild and Hot Chakalaka as a precautionary measure. The product can be identified by the printing on the can end. Product affected will have B/BEF SEP 2012 or B/BEF OCT 2012 printed on the top of the can.

While the risk of harmful spoilage is extremely remote, Rhodes has, in line with best practice and internal Rhodes quality procedures, elected to initiate a full product recall. In the remote event of spoilage occurring, the effect of eating this product could range from nothing to a mild stomach upset to food poisoning.

Consumers are requested to call the Rhodes Food Group’s customer care line 0800 746337 to arrange for the product to be returned and compensation to be provided. This line is open from 8:00 to 4:30.

We apologize for the inconvenience caused by this recall to all of our customers. We want to assure them that we will replace all recalled goods.

Says Gerhard Kotze, Divisional MD, “Although the risk of spoilage is extremely remote, Rhodes Food Group prefers to do the Chakalaka product recall as a precautionary measure to protect our valued customers.”

Contact for press enquiries:

Gerhard Kotze

(MD Rhodes Foods)

083 460 3383