This archive report was first published on 1 November 2021.
On November 1, 2021, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) issued a warning to the public about 14 maize flour brands deemed unfit for human consumption.
The manufacturers of these brands failed to comply with the required standards, putting consumers at risk of aflatoxin poisoning.
The affected brands include Ndovu maize flour, Prestige sifted maize, Sima Tamu, Range Corn, Top White, Diamond Sifted Maize, Bel's Organic, Winnies Ugali Afya, Family, Jasiri Sifted Maize, Jema Sifted Maize, Mugambo Sifted Maize, Jibe Maize Flour, and Jodari.
KEBS has asked retailers to remove these brands from their shelves and has issued a warning to the millers to comply with the set standards before putting the brands up for sale.
The move is aimed at giving the millers a chance to take corrective action and ensure quality products are made available for consumers.
Kenya has previously grappled with cases of substandard maize flour brands, which pose a significant risk to public health due to high levels of aflatoxin toxins.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that about 25 percent of food produced globally is destroyed yearly due to dangerous levels of aflatoxin.
Other crops affected by aflatoxin include rice, sorghum, millet, wheat, cassava, nuts, groundnuts, cotton seeds, sunflower, and coconut.
