The Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) has received information of a voluntary recall by Shoprite, Checkers, Usave and OK Foods supermarkets, of all cereal products manufactured by their supplier, Heartland Foods. The subject products were exported to Malawi, among others.
In a media statement by the National Consumer Commission of South Africa, (NCC), the products do not provide the nutritional benefits as claimed on the packaging. NCC has further said that some of the products contain slightly higher sugar levels than stated, which could be of concern for individuals with diabetes, if the products were specifically selected based on the sugar content in the nutritional information.
Shoprite Group, in its recall statement on 20th March 2025, indicated that the recall was undertaken due to inaccurate nutritional labelling on the products by the manufacturer, and that there were no complaints received. However, following numerous interventions with the supplier, they decided to issue a voluntary product recall. The Manufacturer, Heartland Foods, has also confirmed the recall indicating that it was necessitated due to potential nutritional discrepancies on the pack, and that they were re-testing all products and reviewing the nutritional information with independent laboratories.
The following products are affected:
1. Corn Flakes (Morning Mills, Ubrand, Housebrand, Ritebrand, OK Foods)
2. Bran Flakes (Morning Mills, Housebrand, Ritebrand)
3. Muesli (Morning Mills, Ubrand)
4. Instant Oats (Morning Mills)
5. Multi Grain Flakes (Heartlands)
6. Crunchy Flakes (Heartlands)
7. Wheaty Flakes (Heartlands)
8. Granola (Heartlands)
9. Corn Flakes (Heartlands)
10. Bran Flakes (Heartlands)
Shoprite Group has urged customers who may have purchased the aforementioned products to return them to their nearest supermarket for a full refund. Customers will not be required to have proof of purchase and opened products may also be returned.
CFTC is also encouraging consumers who may have purchased the subject product to report through the following:
- Toll Free Line: 2489
- WhatsApp: +265 987 738 749
For media enquiries on this statement, contact Mr. Innocent Helema on +265 880 725 075 or email innocent.helema@cftc.mw.
Lloyds Vincent Nkhoma
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER