Tiger Brands is recalling certain KOO and Hugo’s canned vegetable products produced from 1 May 2019 to 5 May 2021 due to an extremely small number of defective cans supplied by a packaging supplier.
The cans may have a defective side seam weld that could cause the can to leak. The company identified the issue as part of its internal quality assurance processes.
1. Which products are being recalled?
Canned products forming part of this recall include products from the KOO and Hugo’s canned vegetable range, including baked beans, that were produced from 1 May 2019 to 5 May 2021.
| Product Description | Weight | Barcode |
| KOO Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce | 410g | 6009522300586 |
| KOO Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce-Lite | 410g | 6009522306571 |
| Hugo’s Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce | 410g | 6009522305536 |
| KOO Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce 4 pack **NEW** | 4 x 410g | 6009522307653 |
| KOO Butter Beans in Brine | 410g | 6001024023543 |
| KOO Butter Beans in Tangy Curry Sauce | 410g | 6001024000469 |
| KOO Butter Beans in Tomato Sauce | 420g | 6001024024007 |
| KOO Baked Beans in Chilli Sauce | 420g | 6001024035003 |
| KOO Baked Beans in Tomato & Herb | 410g | 6009522303006 |
| KOO Baked Beans in Curry Sauce | 410g | 6009522303020 |
| KOO Baked Beans in Hot Chakalaka | 410g | 6009522303013 |
| KOO Baked Beans in BBQ Flavoured Sauce | 410g | 6009522308117 |
| KOO Baked Beans in Chilli Wors Flavoured Sauce | 410g | 6009522308124 |
| KOO Creamstyle Sweetcorn | 415g | 6009522300562 |
| KOO Whole Kernel in Brine | 410g | 6001024386655 |
| KOO Mixed Vegetables in Sweet and Spicy Curry Sauce | 420g | 6009522300296 |
| KOO Mixed Vegetables in Hot Curry Sauce | 420g | 6009522300289 |
| KOO Mixed Vegetables in Curry Sauce | 420g | 6001024549913 |
| KOO Mixed Vegetables in Cape Malay Curry Sauce | 420g | 6009522307639 |
| KOO Mixed Vegetables in Durban Curry Sauce | 420g | 6009522307646 |
| KOO Mixed Vegetables in Brine | 410g | 6001024103184 |
| Helderberg Fresh Garden Peas in Sweetened Brine | 400g | 6009522308506 |
| KOO Fresh Garden Peas in Brine | 410g | 6001024223318 |
| KOO Fresh Garden Peas in Brine | 400g | 6009522308186 |
| KOO Surfmaid Peas Petit Pois in Sweetened Brine | 400g | 6009522308193 |
| KOO Short Spaghetti in Flavoured Tomato Sauce | 410g | 6001024383623 |
2. Does the side seam leakage present a consumer health risk?
No health issues have been reported to date relating to the affected product range. Although there is a low probability of illness and injury, matters of quality and food safety are an absolute priority for Tiger Brands. The company in consultation with the National Consumer Council (NCC) therefore made the decision to initiate a precautionary withdrawal in the best interest of consumers.
3. Where do I return these products to and will I be refunded?
If you have KOO or Hugo’s canned vegetable products at home that were produced from 1 May 2019 to 5 May 2021 and that form part of the recall, you can return the canned products to your nearest supermarket or wholesale outlet for a refund.
4. How do I know if the canned products I have at home are part of this withdrawal?
Canned vegetable products forming part of the recall can be identified by looking at the manufacturing date code stamped on the bottom or top of the can. The manufacturing date appears in the first line following the letters MAN. In the example below, the manufacturing date is 5 May 2021.
MAN 05/05/2021 08:58 4 K2 2H 9
BEST BEFORE 05/05/2024
5. Who do I contact if I have more questions?
For more information visit www.koo.co.za or contact the consumer careline on 0860 100 891 or at tigercsd@tigerbrands.com.
6. Are canned foods safe to eat? What should I be on the lookout for?
Canning is a safe way to preserve food and extend the shelf-life of fresh produce. It is good practice to always take a moment to inspect the quality of a can when you’re choosing products. Never purchase or use cans that are dented, cracked, leaking, or have bulging lids.
