Government Bans Peanut Butter Brands Over High Aflatoxin Levels
Health Updated: 30 March 2026 18:59 EAT
Some of the foods government has banned
The Ministry of Health has ordered an immediate halt in production and sale of Nutie, Kismat, Pannaj, and Muleka peanut butter brands after tests revealed dangerously high levels of aflatoxin.
Laboratory analysis indicated that some products contained aflatoxin concentrations far above the safety threshold of 15 parts per billion, with certain batches of Nutie peanut butter recording levels as high as 934 parts per billion.
Aflatoxin is a toxic substance produced by fungi commonly found in improperly stored peanuts. It poses serious health risks, including liver damage and cancer, making contaminated products a major public health concern.
Health Director-General Patrick Amoth directed county officials to immediately remove the affected products from the market and ensure strict compliance with the ban.
Authorities also instructed county public health officers to seize and destroy all stocks of the contaminated peanut butter to prevent further public exposure.
Production of the affected brands has been suspended, and factory inspections have been ordered to ensure that manufacturers implement corrective measures before resuming operations.
The ministry emphasized that all enforcement actions must align with the Public Health Act and the Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Act, reinforcing Kenya’s food safety regulations.
Consumers have been advised to avoid the affected brands and report any suspicious products to local health authorities to safeguard public health.
The Ministry of Health said it will continue monitoring peanut butter products and other high-risk food items to prevent future aflatoxin contamination and protect Kenyan consumers.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD