This archive report was first published on 24 July 2021.
Kenyans Baffled by Oversized Breads Sold at Low Prices ¶
On July 23, 2021, Twitter user Gathoni K (@QueenGathoni) shared a picture of bread in different sizes, sparking a heated debate about the ingredients used by bakers.
The oversized breads, including Kingsmill and Selecta, were compared to smaller breads from Festive and Supa Loaf, with many questioning how the bakers achieved such large sizes.
Queen Gathoni's tweet read: "Ebu kujeni hapa kidogo. How are the bakers of Kingsmill kubwa 400g and this other bread achieving this size here? What am I missing? What are they adding?"
Replies to the tweet ranged from shock and confusion to speculation about the ingredients used by the bakers.
Recently, bakers had reduced the price of sliced bread by Sh5 in response to stiff competition from supermarket in-store bakeries.
However, the introduction of oversized breads by Kingsmill and Selecta has further complicated the market, with many consumers left wondering about the quality and safety of the bread.
Some have raised concerns about the use of harmful chemicals in the bread-making process, citing the high price of wheat as a potential factor.
Kenya Bureau of Standards (KeBS) responded to the issue, stating that their mandate is to ensure the quality of the bread, while matters of weight are the responsibility of the weights and measures department.
Despite the controversy, the oversized breads remain popular among consumers, with many taking to social media to share their thoughts and opinions on the matter.
