A concerning revelation has emerged about a significant quantity of contaminated rice that has infiltrated the Kenyan market. Despite being declared unfit for human consumption by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), millions of kilograms of this rice, imported from Pakistan, have been smuggled into the country.
The contaminated rice, imported by Gama Food Traders Ltd, failed aflatoxin tests, exceeding the permissible limits. While a small portion was intercepted, the majority of the 2 million kilograms of rice has made its way to Kenyan consumers, posing serious health risks.
KEBS market surveillance officers have managed to seize only 23 tonnes of the contaminated rice, leaving the remaining 2,057 tonnes circulating in the market.
The seized rice, tested at the KEBS lab, was found to contain 11.54 parts per kilogram of aflatoxin, significantly higher than the recommended maximum of 5.0 parts per kilogram.
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With the festive season approaching, there is a heightened risk of more Kenyans consuming this contaminated rice. Efforts to recall the product have been largely unsuccessful, leaving consumers vulnerable.
This incident underscores the importance of stringent quality control measures and effective regulatory oversight to protect public health. It is crucial for authorities to take immediate action to prevent further distribution of this hazardous food product.
