Business
Clicks toddler snack recalled in South Africa after Listeria detection
Parents across South Africa are being urged to double-check their kitchen cupboards after a toddler snack sold at Clicks stores was recalled due to contamination concerns.
The National Consumer Commission recently confirmed that a specific batch of Made for Tots Corn Puffs Chicken 12g has been removed from shelves after testing revealed traces of Listeria. The snack, marketed for young children, was distributed nationwide through Clicks stores and the retailer’s online platform.
While only a limited batch is affected, regulators say consumers should take the warning seriously and avoid feeding the product to children if the identifying details match.
What parents need to know about the recall
According to information provided to the commission, the affected batch includes 1,152 units of the snack.
Clicks reported that 348 units had already been purchased by customers, while 804 units were successfully removed from shelves before sale.
Consumers should check their packaging carefully. The recalled items carry the following identifying information:
Batch number: 396194
Manufacturing date: 03 March 2026
Lot number: 6:003
Best-before date: 02 March 2027
The products were sold in Clicks stores throughout South Africa and online. Some units were also distributed to Lesotho.
Anyone who has the affected batch at home is advised not to consume it and to return it to any Clicks store. Customers will receive a full refund or replacement, even without proof of purchase.
What kind of contamination was found
The contamination detected involves a type of Listeria bacteria.
The supplier explained that the strain identified is generally regarded as non-pathogenic to humans, meaning it does not usually cause illness. However, there have been rare instances where it has been linked to health problems.
Because the snack is intended for toddlers, authorities opted for a precautionary recall to eliminate any potential risk.
Food safety experts often take extra care with products aimed at babies and young children, whose immune systems are still developing and may be more vulnerable to contaminants.
NCC monitoring the recall
The National Consumer Commission says it is closely overseeing the recall process to ensure consumer protection rules are followed.
Acting commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu emphasised that companies have a clear responsibility when it comes to product safety.
He said suppliers must ensure that goods sold to consumers are safe, usable, and free from defects. When products fail to meet those standards, they must be removed from sale quickly to minimise harm.
The announcement also coincided with World Consumer Rights Day, whose global theme this year highlights the importance of safe products and confident consumers.
Not the only food recall this month
The toddler snack recall comes shortly after another food safety alert involving baby formula products.
Earlier in March, the commission issued a warning about two Nutricia formula products: Aptamil Nutribiotik 2 (800g) and Aptajunior Nutribiotik 3 (800g).
Almost 2,989 units of those products were affected. They had been distributed nationwide by United Pharmaceutical Distributors and had been on store shelves since August 2025, including at major pharmacy chains such as Clicks and Dis-Chem.
The recall was triggered after the manufacturer discovered that a raw ingredient used during production may contain traces of cereulide, a toxin that can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps when exposure levels are high.
Consumers who purchased those products were encouraged to contact the manufacturer directly for assistance with the recall process.
Why recalls matter for consumers
Food recalls often cause concern, especially when they involve products designed for babies or toddlers. However, consumer regulators say the process is an important part of protecting public health.
When testing detects a potential issue, even a minor one, retailers and suppliers are expected to act quickly and remove the product from circulation.
For parents, the advice remains simple: check product details carefully, stay informed about recalls, and return any affected items immediately.
In this case, regulators say the number of impacted snacks is relatively small. Still, the message is clear. When it comes to food safety, especially for young children, caution always comes first.
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Source: Business Tech
Featured Image: Shore Africa
