MANILA, Philippines – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the health department issued a product recall of one batch of Lily’s Peanut Butter which contains an “unacceptable” level of harmful substance Aflatoxin. 

In an advisory last March 31, FDA ordered the recall of Lily’s Peanut Butter (170 g) under Lot No. A1 10:26 set to expire May 23, 2014. Aflatoxin, known as an anti-nutritional toxin, binds proteins, vitamins, and minerals so that the body cannot absorb the nutrients.

“The recall involves only the specified product under the mentioned lot number and no other Lily’s peanut butter variants and sizes are affected by the recall,” FDA Director General Kenneth Hartigan-Go said on Monday.

Lily’s has yet to release an official statement as of posting.

Prolonged cell exposure to Aflatoxin can cause mutation of DNA cells which increases the risk of developing cancer cells, according to FDA. 

It can also stunt the growth of children, and can lead to a weakening disease of nutritional deficiency called kwashiorkor. 

FDA ordered the manufacturer to immediately recall the product, urging retail outlets to coordinate with Lily’s and to stop selling the affected product. 

The public can also send questions and concerns to info@fda.gov.ph – Rappler.com

Grocery store image from Shutterstock