Delhaize Recalls Organic Brazil Nuts Over Aflatoxin Concerns
Belgian supermarket chain Delhaize has issued an immediate recall for its organic Brazil nuts after detecting excessive levels of aflatoxins, a naturally occurring toxic substance produced by certain molds. The recall, coordinated with the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FAVV/AFSCA), affects customers who purchased the product between 19 February and 30 April 2026.
The Affected Product
The recall applies to Delhaize-brand organic Brazil nuts (“Bio Paranoten”) sold in 200g packages. Consumers can identify the affected product by the following details:
- EAN Code: 5400117575173
- Best Before Date: 15 August 2026
- Weight: 200g
The product was available in Delhaize stores across Belgium during a ten-week period from 19 February to 30 April 2026, as confirmed by the official FAVV/AFSCA recall notice.
What Are Aflatoxins?
Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by Aspergillus species of mold that can contaminate nuts, grains, spices, and dried fruits. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, aflatoxins are classified as carcinogenic, with prolonged exposure linked to liver cancer. Short-term exposure to high levels can cause acute liver damage, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
European Union regulations set strict maximum permitted levels for aflatoxins in food products, and the Belgian food safety system detected the exceedance through routine monitoring. Aflatoxins are heat-stable compounds, meaning cooking or roasting does not eliminate them, which is why prevention and detection at the supply chain level are critical. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies aflatoxin B1 — the most common variant — as carcinogenic to humans.
Consumer Instructions
Delhaize is urging customers who purchased the affected Brazil nuts not to consume them. The product can be returned to any Delhaize store for a full refund, even if the packaging has already been opened.
“Delhaize asks its customers not to consume the product below and to return it to a point of sale where a refund will be provided,” the FAVV/AFSCA notice stated.
For additional information, customers can contact Delhaize’s customer service toll-free at 0800/95 713.
Company Response
Delhaize expressed regret over the situation, emphasizing that food safety remains an absolute priority. According to Het Laatste Nieuws, the company stated it conducts hundreds of internal quality controls daily and is committed to ensuring the safety and quality of all products in its stores.
Regulatory Context
The recall demonstrates the effectiveness of Belgium’s food safety monitoring system. FAVV/AFSCA maintains a publicly accessible database of all product recalls, and European Union regulations (EU Regulation 2023/915) set the maximum permitted levels for aflatoxins in nuts. The swift public notification allows consumers to take immediate protective action.
Analysis and Implications
The recall highlights the ongoing challenges in supply chain quality control for imported food products. Brazil nuts are primarily sourced from South America, where warm and humid conditions can promote mold growth during storage and transport. The fact that the contamination was detected — whether through internal testing or regulatory inspection — speaks to the effectiveness of Belgium’s food safety protocols.
However, this marks at least the fourth recall for Delhaize in the past year, raising questions about the company’s supplier oversight. Previous recalls included a May 2025 recall of seven meat products due to packaging defects, an August 2025 recall of camembert cheese over potential E. coli contamination, and a January 2026 recall of organic pancakes due to quality concerns.
What to Watch For
Several questions remain unanswered. It is not yet known which supplier provided the contaminated Brazil nuts, whether the contamination was detected through Delhaize’s internal testing or by FAVV inspection, or what specific aflatoxin levels were found. No cases of illness linked to this batch have been reported to date.
Consumers who purchased organic Brazil nuts from Delhaize between February and April are advised to check their pantry and return any affected products to their nearest store for a full refund.