The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has assured the public of the safety of rice in the Kenyan market, following concerns over contaminated batches.
In a statement dated Wednesday, December 11, KEBS revealed that it had seized 452 bags of rice at a godown in Nairobi after determining that the rice was unfit for consumption due to high levels of aflatoxins. The rice had been set aside by importers, awaiting compensation from their supplier, as its quality had deteriorated.
“KEBS is in the process of destroying all the 452 bags of rice seized at M/s Anytime Limited Godowns,” read part of the statement.
Addressing why the rice initially passed inspection upon importation, KEBS clarified that the product had met the required standards at the time. The contamination was attributed to improper storage conditions after testing.
“It is possible for the quality of a product to deteriorate after passing initial quality tests if the recommended storage conditions are not adhered to. This is one of the reasons why KEBS conducts regular market surveillance visits in outlets,” KEBS explained.
The agency emphasized that the contaminated rice was impounded before it could be distributed across the country.
KEBS assured Kenyans that the rice currently available in the market is safe for consumption and reiterated its commitment to ensuring that substandard products do not make it to store shelves.
