KEBS and Uasin Gishu County Authorities Dispose of Substandard Rice

This afternoon, the Managing Director of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), alongside a team of officials from the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Uasin Gishu County Public Health Officers, and the Uasin Gishu County Government, carried out the disposal of a consignment of substandard rice. The rice, which was flagged for failing to meet safety standards, was found to contain elevated levels of aflatoxins, making it unfit for human consumption.

The courtesy call and disposal exercise took place at the Uasin Gishu County Commissioner’s office, where Dr. Nyale, the County Commissioner, welcomed the KEBS team and other stakeholders. The collaboration between these agencies underscores their commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring consumer safety through rigorous quality control measures.

KEBS, as the regulatory body responsible for ensuring product safety and quality, remains steadfast in its mission to protect Kenyan consumers. The substandard rice, which had been imported into the country, was identified through KEBS’s ongoing inspections and monitoring programs. Elevated aflatoxin levels are a serious concern due to their potential health risks, including liver damage and cancer.

Speaking at the event, the KEBS Managing Director emphasized the organization’s dedication to ensuring that only high-quality, safe products reach the Kenyan market. “KEBS is fully committed to enforcing compliance with food safety standards to protect consumers. We will continue to work closely with other regulatory bodies like NEMA and local authorities to prevent unsafe products from reaching our markets,” said the KEBS Managing Director.

Dr. Nyale, the Uasin Gishu County Commissioner, echoed these sentiments, praising the efforts of the agencies involved in the disposal of the contaminated rice. He highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in protecting the health and well-being of the public.

The disposal of the substandard rice is a reminder of the importance of rigorous product inspections and continuous monitoring to maintain high safety and quality standards in the country. KEBS has assured consumers that it will continue to take proactive measures to prevent substandard products from entering the market and to uphold consumer confidence in the safety of locally produced and imported goods.

This joint operation between KEBS, NEMA, and local authorities exemplifies a collective effort to maintain public health and ensure that all products available in the Kenyan market meet the required standards for safety and quality.

January 24, 2025