Clicks Recall: Toddler Snack Pulled From Shelves Over Listeria Contamination Concern

In a statement on Sunday, 15 March, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) said the affected product is Made 4 Tots Puffs Corn Chicken 12g, supplied by Clicks Retailers Pty Limited.

According to the NCC, the recall affects 1,152 units, with 348 units sold to consumers and 804 units removed from shelves. The affected products were sold at Clicks stores in South Africa, through Clicks Online and were also distributed to Lesotho. Consumers who have the affected product are being urged not to consume it and to return it to any Clicks store for a full refund or replacement, with or without proof of purchase.

Which Product is Affected by the Clicks Recall?

This recall applies to one specific batch, not the full Made 4 Tots range. In its statement, the NCC said parents and caregivers should check the following details on the packaging:

• Identifying number: 396194
• MGF: 03.03.26
• Lot: 6:003
• Best before: 02.03.2027

The NCC said Clicks informed the regulator that the affected batch “tested positive for non-pathogenic Listeria contamination.” The supplier also noted that the type of Listeria involved is “generally non-pathogenic to humans but has rare and isolated reports of human disease.”

What is Listeria?

The word “Listeria” is enough to worry any parent, especially in South Africa, but context matters. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) explains that listeriosis is a serious bacterial disease caused by Listeria monocytogenes. According to the National Department of Health, the bacteria can be found in soil, water and contaminated food.

The NICD says listeriosis can cause symptoms ranging from gastroenteritis to severe illness, especially in vulnerable groups. In people with weakened immune systems, it can lead to meningitis or septicaemia, while in pregnant women, it can cause pregnancy loss or infection in newborn babies.

It is important to note that this Clicks recall relates to non-pathogenic Listeria, not a confirmed case of Listeria monocytogenes. Still, the product has been recalled as a precaution and parents are being advised not to take chances.

NCC Says Suppliers Must Remove Unsafe Products Quickly

The recall was announced on World Consumer Rights Day, which this year carried the global theme “Safe Products. Confident Consumers.” In the same NCC statement, Acting Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu reminded suppliers of their obligations under the law.

“As we mark World Consumer Rights Day today with the global theme Safe Products. Confident Consumers, we remind suppliers of their obligation to provide goods of good quality, free of defects, usable and durable,” Ratshisusu said.

He added that where goods fail to meet required standards, “those goods must be removed from the shelves to minimise potential harm.”

The NCC also said it is monitoring this recall and other recent recalls to ensure full compliance with the Consumer Protection Act.

For parents, the safest next step is to check the batch details carefully and return the product immediately if it matches the recall notice.