PepsiCo South Africa confirms that the discovery of a mouse in a loaf of bread is an isolated incident.
Nombulelo Mkumla, a Durban woman, turned to social media last week to explain how she discovered the rodent.
In a lengthy Facebook post, she stated that she bought the loaf of bread from a nearby shop after work on August 27.
Mkumla continued to prepare toast with slices of bread from the cargo throughout the next few days.
“Then, on the morning of August 31, I took the bread out of the fridge to make toast and noticed something disgusting and scary. I took a picture and sent it to my friends, and one of them said, ‘Yi mpuku leyo tshomi’ [That’s a rat friend]“.
“I was in denial and suggested it might be something else, but the rat scenario made sense – it’s possible the rat got into the bread at the factory, and no one noticed,” Mkumla said.
She returned to the shop where she had purchased the bread and was advised to file a complaint directly with the supplier.
She sent an email containing a video and photos of the bread.
Mkumla stated that she was later called by a man from Sasko, who apologized for the incident.
According to Mkumla, the caller stated that it gets hot in the bakery and that “things like this are bound to happen”.
He went on to say that procedures are being put in place to prevent repeat instances and that she should not be concerned because she will not suffer any health consequences.
This response fueled her rage.
“This experience has been traumatic and disgusting,” she shared.
Cornel Vermeulen of PepsiCo South Africa claimed they were aware of the “isolated incident”.
He further stated that the loaf of SASKO Low GI Seeded Whole Wheat brown bread did not match the company’s stringent requirements.
Vermuelen stated that Mkumla returned the loaf to the store where she purchased it, and it was discovered to be infected by a mouse.
Speaking with Independent Media, Vermuelen told customers that an investigation had been initiated.
He further stated that samples and documents were collected from the batch in question, and no irregularities were discovered.
Vermeulen stated that the corporation has also contacted Mkumla to offer her with an update.