KEBS Seizes Over 52 Tons of Substandard Sugar

08, Jun 2023 / 2 min read/ By Livenow Africa

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has seized over 52 tons of substandard sugar that found its way into the market.

The acting Managing Director of KEBS, Esther Ngari, told Parliament that the unsafe sugar was seized from over 300 outlets spread across the country.

Ngari told the Trade Committee, chaired by James Gakuya, that the consignment is currently undergoing tests and awaiting destruction.

"This is what we have considered as potentially unsafe, so it has been seized, isolated and the decision to destroy will be made once testing is complete," Ngari said.

"The condemned sugars have been seized across the country and samples submitted to KEBS testing laboratories where testing is ongoing, and results will be shared with this honourable Committee once the testing exercise is completed."

Ngari said that KEBS is working with other government agencies to ensure that the substandard sugar is not sold to consumers.

She urged consumers to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to KEBS.

"We are working with the police and other government agencies to ensure that this substandard sugar is not sold to consumers," Ngari said. "We urge consumers to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to KEBS."

The seizure of the substandard sugar is a major blow to the sugar industry in Kenya. The industry has been struggling in recent years due to a number of factors, including a decline in production and an increase in imports.

The seizure of the substandard sugar is a reminder of the need for consumers to be vigilant and to only buy sugar from reputable sources.

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