Sasko Faces Backlash After Rat Found In Bread: What Happened Next?

• Renowned baking brand Sasko has confirmed the suspension of operations at a facility linked to a loaf of bread containing a rat.
• A viral video showing a rat sliced into a loaf of Low GI Seeded Whole Wheat Brown bread has left consumers shocked and horrified.
• Public outrage has surged online, with many users vowing to avoid Sasko products indefinitely.

JOHANNESBURG — The internet erupted in disbelief and disgust last week after a video surfaced showing something no one ever wants to see in their bread: a rat. The disturbing clip, which quickly went viral, has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about food safety and quality control in the baking industry.

The video first appeared on social media on September 9, exactly one week after Facebook user Nombulelo Mkumla decided to share her horrifying discovery. She had purchased a loaf of Sasko Low GI Seeded Whole Wheat Brown bread on August 27 but didn’t open it until four days later. What she found inside was nothing short of nightmarish.

How Sasko Reacted to the Viral Rat Incident

In her original post, Mkumla detailed the moment she realized something was terribly wrong with her purchase. "On the morning of August 31, I pulled the bread out of the fridge to make toast," she wrote. "That’s when I noticed something so disgusting and unsettling that I couldn’t believe my eyes. A friend who saw a photo I sent them immediately said, 'That’s a rat, my friend.' At first, I tried to deny it, hoping it was something else. But deep down, I knew they were right."

Read also:

A Hilarious Encounter When A Cow Crashed A Womans Office

Mkumla went on to speculate about how such a gross oversight could have occurred. "It’s possible that the rat got mixed into the dough at the factory without anyone noticing," she explained. "How does something like this even happen? It’s terrifying to think about."

Sasko, part of the global packaged goods giant PepsiCo, has since issued an official statement addressing the incident. In a press release dated September 13, the company expressed shock and dismay over the discovery. "We were absolutely stunned and deeply saddened when a consumer in KwaZulu-Natal informed us that she had found a rat in one of our loaves," the statement read.

The company reiterated its commitment to consumer health and safety, emphasizing that food quality and safety are top priorities. "We take these concerns very seriously and are determined to conduct a thorough investigation into this isolated but deeply troubling incident," Sasko stated.

What’s Being Done to Prevent Future Incidents?

To ensure that such an incident doesn’t happen again, Sasko has taken decisive action. The company has temporarily shut down the production facility where the contaminated loaf originated. This facility will remain closed until Sasko is confident that there is no further risk of contamination to customers.

In addition, Sasko has enlisted the help of external third-party experts to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the facility. These experts will evaluate every aspect of the production process to identify any potential weaknesses or lapses in hygiene and safety protocols.

Public Reaction: Consumers Voice Their Concerns

Social media has been ablaze with reactions from consumers who are deeply disturbed by the incident. Many are questioning whether Sasko can still be trusted to provide safe and reliable products. Below are some of the responses shared by users online:

Read also:

Kauai Your Goto For Fresh Healthy And Flavorful Meals

@_SifisoSibiya expressed relief at avoiding the brand altogether: "Thank God I don’t eat Sasko bread. Honestly, I never liked it anyway."

@AnonymousPilot2 was less forgiving: "Given what happened, and since you can’t confirm which facility or which breads might be affected, I’m returning mine. I can’t trust your quality or hygiene standards anymore. Suspicious!"

@NguboThoba29804 took the opportunity to criticize broader issues within the health inspection system: "This just shows how health inspections in this country are more of a joke than a profession. How do we let things like this slip through the cracks?"

A Broader Concern: Rising Food Poisoning Cases in Gauteng

While the Sasko incident has captured widespread attention, it’s part of a larger conversation about food safety in South Africa. According to a recent report by Briefly News, 10 children in Gauteng have tragically died from food poisoning since February 2024. The total number of reported cases over the past nine months has reached 207, with the majority occurring in townships, informal settlements, and hostel communities.

The alarming rise in foodborne illnesses highlights the urgent need for improved oversight and stricter enforcement of food safety regulations. As consumers demand greater transparency and accountability from food producers, companies like Sasko will need to work harder to restore trust and protect public health.