Consumers are being urged to check their refrigerators after the National Consumer Commission (NCC) announced the recall of several SPAR-branded yoghurt and drinking yoghurt products due to a production fault that could affect product quality and safety.
The recall affects nearly 4,000 units of selected SPAR yoghurt products with a sell-by date of 9 August 2026 and a use-by date of 12 August 2026.
According to the NCC, the affected products include SPAR’s fat-free, low-fat, double cream and indulge double cream yoghurt varieties, as well as its Active drinking yoghurt range.
The commission said the recall follows a malfunction on a production line that resulted in some products developing a condition known as “product blowing”, where gas builds up inside the packaging.
NCC spokesperson Pheto Ntaba warned that the defect may alter the yoghurt’s taste, smell and appearance and could potentially cause gastrointestinal illness if consumed.
“The affected products may exhibit signs of product blowing due to a production line malfunction. Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products should not consume them and are advised to return them to their nearest SPAR store for a full refund or exchange,” Ntaba said.
The NCC has published the barcodes of all affected products on its official website to assist consumers in identifying the recalled items.
The latest recall is one of several food product recalls overseen by the consumer watchdog in recent years. In 2024, Namib Mills recalled its Top Score instant porridge sold through SPAR stores following contamination concerns, while Shoprite also withdrew selected Deli Hummus products after the detection of Listeria monocytogenes.
Product recalls have become increasingly common in South Africa as regulators tighten enforcement of the Consumer Protection Act and manufacturers strengthen quality control systems. While many recalls are precautionary, authorities say they play an important role in protecting public health by removing potentially defective products from the market before they cause widespread harm.
The dairy sector remains one of South Africa’s largest food industries, with yoghurt continuing to enjoy strong consumer demand, particularly for healthier and drinkable varieties. Industry experts say swift recalls, such as the current SPAR action, are generally viewed as evidence that food safety monitoring systems are working effectively.
Consumers who purchased any of the affected yoghurt products are encouraged to return them to their nearest SPAR store, where they will receive either a full refund or a replacement product, even if they no longer have their proof of purchase.
