This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
Published on July 16, 2019, an investigation by NTV exposed the shocking truth about the meat sold in supermarkets and upmarket outlets in Nairobi.
Some of the seemingly fresh and sumptuous cuts of beef and other meats displayed in glass shelves were found to be laced with dangerous chemicals, posing a grave risk to the lives of unsuspecting consumers.
The use of unregulated preservatives in the food industry has been a major concern, with chemicals banned in their country of origin being readily available and in use in Kenya.
The motivation behind this practice is to minimize losses from spoilage and preserve sellers' profits, but it comes at the cost of public health.
Public health officers have a mandate to ensure that meat is inspected and approved before it is sold or consumed, but it appears that this is not happening regularly.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards, public health departments, and other agencies must take immediate action to prevent the sale of suspect food and ensure that consumers are protected.
