Venecia Valentine
A nationwide pet food recall has been launched after batches of condemned dry pet food were stolen from a waste management facility in eastern Gauteng and later entered circulation in both formal and informal markets across South Africa.
RCL FOODS has warned consumers not to purchase or use the stolen products, which had already been earmarked for destruction. The company says the compromised pet food could be contaminated with Salmonella and may pose a health risk to both pets and humans.
Stolen Pet Food Entered Local Markets
According to the company, a limited number of batches dispatched for destruction in late January and February were stolen before disposal.
The stolen products are believed to be circulating through unofficial sales channels, particularly in parts of Gauteng including:
• Germiston
• Boksburg
• Benoni
• Alberton
Consumers are urged to avoid purchasing pet food from informal sellers, social media marketplaces or unverified distributors.
Retail Pet Food Remains Safe
Paul Cruickshank confirmed that products currently sold through established retailers, pet shops and veterinary practices remain safe for animal consumption.
“At this stage we are not aware of any animals or people having been affected, but we are advising shoppers to exercise caution,” Cruickshank said.
“Our priority is to remove any stolen product from circulation to reduce the risk to pets and their owners. We are working with independent forensic experts and authorities to investigate how this product entered the market and will lay criminal charges against those responsible.”
Production Temporarily Paused
The company said the affected stock represented only a small portion of overall production.
Operations at the facility were temporarily paused while the plant underwent deep cleaning and sanitisation. Production is now expected to restart with strengthened monitoring systems in place.
Affected Pet Food Brands
The condemned stock relates to specific batch numbers across several dry pet food brands, including:
• Canine Cuisine
• Bonzo
• Bobtail
• Catmor
• Optimizor
• Ultra Pet
Consumers who bought these products from unofficial sellers since mid-January should not feed them to pets or other animals.
What Consumers Should Do
Pet owners who suspect they purchased affected products should:
• Stop using the pet food immediately
• Avoid donating or reselling the product
• Contact RCL FOODS Customer Care to verify batch numbers
• Arrange for safe collection and disposal
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation can contact the anonymous Hayibo Tip-Off Line on 0800 003 224.
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