Hummus manufacturer referred to tribunal following listeria detection

BM Foods Manufacturers has been referred to the National Consumer Tribunal for adjudication, following the detection of Listeria monocytogenes in its ready-to-eat hummus products.

The referral follows a recall initiated by Shoprite Checkers in September 2024 after lab tests confirmed the presence of the harmful bacterium.

The National Consumer Commission said it launched an investigation into the company after the recall, citing possible violations of the Consumer Protection Act.

The commission's Phetho Ntaba said findings confirmed the products were unsafe and failed to meet food safety regulations.

Ntaba said the commission is seeking a fine of R1 million or 10 percent of BM Foods’ annual turnover, whichever is higher.

"The regulation requires that a person in charge of a facility that produces or manufactures foodstuffs must ensure that routine assessments are conducted and comply with the regulations' hygiene requirements."