Coles’ own-brand peanut butter has been urgently recalled after it was contaminated by liver cancer-causing chemicals.

The 1kg tubs of both the smooth and crunchy Coles Peanut Butter, marked with the date February 5, 2027, have been sold across Australia in supermarkets and online.

But on Monday, Food Standards Australia and New Zealand issued a warning that people ‘should not eat this product.’. 

The watchdog said there was an issue with biotoxin (aflatoxin) contamination.    

‘Food products containing aflatoxin may cause illness/injury if consumed,’ the notice said.  

‘Consumers should return the product(s) to the place of purchase for a full refund.’

‘Aflatoxins are poisonous and liver cancer-causing chemicals that are produced by certain moulds which grow in soil, decaying vegetation, hay, grains, oilseeds and tree nuts,’ Food Standards said in 2023.

If it contaminates food, it can cause liver cancer.

Coles’ Smooth and Crunchy Peanut Butter tubs have been recalled after concerns they have been contaminated with aflatoxin, which can cause liver cancer in people

Aflatoxin is also a regulated toxin in animal feed globally because it can poison animals if they eat enough.

The recall notices said that anyone concerned about their health should seek medical advice.

Coles Online customers can receive a refund or credit by contacting Coles Online Customer Care.

Anyone seeking further information has been urged to contact Coles Supermarket.