Customer Finds Rat in Sasko Bread Purchased from Spar

A Durban woman was left horrified after discovering what appeared to be a rat in a loaf of Sasko bread she purchased from Avondale Spar in Durban. The unsettling incident occurred on August 27th when 37-year-old Nombulelo Mkumla bought the bread and consumed it over two days, unaware of the shocking contents inside.

On the morning of August 31st, while preparing toast, Mkumla noticed something unusual in the bread. After sending pictures to friends, one of them confirmed her worst fear, saying, "That's a rat, friend." Initially in disbelief, Mkumla returned to Spar, where the staff recommended she lodge a complaint directly with Pioneer Foods, the supplier of Sasko bread.

Acting quickly, Mkumla contacted Pioneer Foods via email, attaching photos and a video of the contaminated loaf. On September 2nd, the company responded, suggesting that the bread was simply moldy. However, Mkumla insisted that it was no case of mold, but something far more disturbing.

During this time, Spar staff regularly checked in with Mkumla to see if the supplier had contacted her, a gesture she appreciated. "Spar was very helpful in following up," said Mkumla. "However, it would have been better if they had also laid a formal complaint on my behalf. At the end of the day, I’m their customer. Even though it’s not their bread, I bought it from them."

It wasn't until September 7th—six days after her initial complaint—that a representative from Sasko finally called Mkumla. The delay left her frustrated. "You make someone eat a rat, and then wait this long to check up on them?" she asked.

The Sasko representative apologized for the incident, admitting that a rat could have made its way into the bread during the baking process, citing high temperatures in the facility. "The guy that called me from Sasko had the nerve to say that I must understand it gets hot where they bake, so something like this is bound to happen, and I must not worry—it won't harm me healthwise. How does he know that? Is he a doctor now?"

The response left Mkumla even more upset. "Instead of taking full responsibility, they tried to make me understand that it’s hot where they bake their bread, and that’s why there was a rat!" she exclaimed. "This experience has been traumatic, and I doubt I’ll ever eat Sasko products again."

This shocking incident has raised serious concerns about the hygiene and safety standards at Pioneer Foods, which could face increased scrutiny from food safety authorities.

Neither Spar nor Pioneer Foods has issued an official public statement on the matter as of yet.