- The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) seized 452 sacks of rice in Nairobi, declaring it unfit for human consumption after laboratory tests confirmed high levels of aflatoxin.
- The rice, stored at the store of M/s Anytime Limited, was part of a large shipment of Pakistani long grain imported by M/s Gama Foods Traders Limited between September and November 2024
- KEBS is in the process of destroying all 452 sacks of contaminated rice to protect consumer safety and prevent further public health risks
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has revealed that 452 sacks of rice seized in Nairobi failed quality tests, saying they were unfit for human consumption.
Source: UGC
This announcement follows media reports that raised concerns about the quality of rice in the Kenyan market.
KEBS said the rice was part of a consignment held by M/s Anytime Limited at their main industrial warehouse on Road C. The rice was found to have high levels of aflatoxin exceeding the acceptable limit of 10 µg/Kg following laboratory tests and I missed the arrest of those sacks.
Who imported rice?
In its statement, KEBS clarified that the rice, which is a large shipment of long grain in Pakistan, was imported into the country by M/s Gama Foods Traders Limited between September and November 2024.
“Between September 2024 and November 2024, M/s Gama Foods Traders Limited Company imported a total of 2,078,500 kilos of KUKU Pakistan Long grade rice (grade 1) from GM Foods Industries (PVT) LTD of Pakistan which have the Mark of The quality of KEBS Diamond. The Diamond Quality Mark is awarded by KEBS to manufacturers who have demonstrated consistency of product quality over time through regular laboratory testing. analysis and implementation of the quality management system,” read the KEBS statement.
Was the rice spoiled?
The rice had previously passed inspection and quality control when it arrived at the Port of Kilindini Mombasa and reached the standards required under the KEBS Diamond Mark of Quality program. However, the contamination likely occurred due to improper storage practices.
KEBS said that it visited M/s Anytime Limited following a post-approval inspection on November 6, 2024, and found 452 sacks of rice in which the quality of the rice had deteriorated and was therefore unfit for human consumption.
“452 sacks of rice obtained from M/s. Anytime Limited were seized by KEBS in the interest of consumer safety and subjected to laboratory analysis. The results of the analysis confirmed that the rice was unfit for human consumption due to high levels of aflatoxin. KEBS is in the process of destroying all 452 sacks of rice seized in M/s Anytime Limited Godowns,” KEBS said.
The government should not buy 15,000 sacks of unfit rice
In other news, in November, KEBS seized 15,000 kilos of suspected bad rice, which had been circulating in the market since May and was hidden behind flour sacks.
The owner of the rice, Ashok Masala, defended the product, claiming it passed health inspections and criticizing KEBS for not testing properly.
Masala emphasized that only a few bags had problems and expressed frustration at being caught while questioning the actions of KEBS and public health officials.
The manager of the warehouse, Martin, explained that the rice had been stored behind other products for air use, so that they would not hide it from the authorities.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
