GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Pet food manufacturer Montego, located in Graaff-Reinet, recalled 600 tons of dog food from store shelves last month, due to an abnormal amount of complaints of mould.

According to Managing Director Johan van Jaarsveld, an investigation found that the moisture readings provided during testing of the dog food were inaccurate due to a faulty analyser. Moisture readings were up to 2% lower than actual levels, which created suitable conditions for mould to form.

"This resulted in the packaging of products which would normally have been rejected by strict quality procedures," Van Jaarsveld explained.

He added that, although Montego was first able to identify a high likelihood of mould formation in specific batches, data later proved that there was no specific pattern of batches affected.

"However, we did find that the occurrences were mostly in hotter and humid areas in the country, of which Gauteng showed the highest number of occurrences," Van Jaarsveld said. According to him, roughly 4% of the units sold in Gauteng were affected, after which the recall of food produced between 23 July and 12 September was instated.

Van Jaarsveld urged customers not to feed their pets food affected by mould, as this could lead to an allergic reaction. "It has been distressing to know that products which do not conform with our standards have been distributed and purchased. Various measures have been put into place to ensure that it never happens again."

Representatives of Montego did not comment in time for print whether stores in Graaff-Reinet and surrounding areas were affected.

Locals who purchased Montego products affected by this issue can return it at the place of purchase, where it will be replaced free of charge.

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