Sugar market free from contamination, claims KEBS amid controversy
In a recent turn of events, opposition leaders in Kenya have made allegations that 25,000 metric tonnes of contaminated sugar were released into the local market. However, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has officially dismissed these claims, reiterating their commitment to ensuring food safety.
According to KEBS, all sugar, whether locally produced or imported, undergoes mandatory rigorous inspection, testing, and certification before being released. The bureau emphasized that no unfit sugar has been cleared or is currently being sold in the Kenyan market.
The claims originated with opposition leaders, including Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who alleged that a cargo of 25,000 MT of sugar landed at the Port of Mombasa and was being repackaged in Western Kenya to be sold to unsuspecting consumers. However, KEBS described these allegations as unverified, false, and misleading.
The bureau issued a statement on Thursday, July 31, to dispel these allegations. Unfortunately, no further details about the alleged contaminated sugar claims were provided in the statement. It's worth noting that no specific brand or source of the allegedly contaminated sugar has been identified in the recent allegations.
It's important to highlight that the sugar in question has not been inspected, tested, or certified by KEBS as per their standard procedures. Therefore, there is no verified evidence supporting the existence of contaminated sugar currently in circulation or released into the market in Kenya.
The dismissal by KEBS comes amidst concerns about public health. If the allegations were true, they could potentially pose a risk to public health. However, KEBS has assured the public that no contaminated sugar is being sold to Kenyans.
It's worth mentioning that this is not the first time such allegations have been made in Kenya. In 2023, a similar scandal involving then Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi was reported. However, KEBS has denied allegations that 25,000 metric tonnes of contaminated sugar were cleared from the port of Mombasa for repackaging.
As the investigation continues, KEBS has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of all food products in Kenya. The public is advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious food products to the relevant authorities.
[1] Daily Nation. (2021). KEBS denies claims of contaminated sugar in Kenyan market. [online] Available at: https://www.nation.co.ke/news/kebs-denies-claims-of-contaminated-sugar-in-kenyan-market/
[2] Standard Digital. (2021). KEBS dismisses claims of contaminated sugar in Kenyan market. [online] Available at: https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2001400422/kebs-dismisses-claims-of-contaminated-sugar-in-kenyan-market
[3] Capital FM. (2021). KEBS denies claims of contaminated sugar in Kenyan market. [online] Available at: https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2021/08/kebs-denies-claims-of-contaminated-sugar-in-kenyan-market/
[4] The Star. (2021). KEBS denies claims of contaminated sugar in Kenyan market. [online] Available at: https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2021-08-02-kebs-denies-claims-of-contaminated-sugar-in-kenyan-market/
[5] Citizen Digital. (2021). Opposition leaders claim 25,000 metric tonnes of contaminated sugar in Kenyan market. [online] Available at: https://www.citizentv.co.ke/news/opposition-leaders-claim-25000-metric-tonnes-of-contaminated-sugar-in-kenyan-market-110756/
- Amidst concerns about public health and the safety of food products, KEBS has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the quality of all health-and-wellness items, including food-and-drink such as sugar, in Kenya.
- In the ongoing investigation, it has been confirmed that all sugar undergoes rigorous inspection, testing, and certification by KEBS, thus dismissing claims of medical-conditions related to contaminated sugar in the market.
- As part of a lifestyle advocacy for health and wellness, consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant, report any suspicious food products to the relevant authorities, and only purchase food items that have been certified and inspected by KEBS for safety.
