This archive report was first published on 17 July 2019.
On July 17, 2019, Health Secretary Sicily Kariuki launched an investigation into the use of Sodium Metabisulfite as a meat preservative in Kenya.
The move follows an expose by NTV on Sunday, which revealed that some supermarkets were using high levels of Sodium Metabisulfite to keep their meat fresh for longer.
According to Ms Kariuki, the Ministry of Health has collected random samples from various outlets for analysis at the National Public Health Laboratories.
She directed all County Public Health Departments to undertake heightened surveillance in all supermarkets and butcheries to ascertain any presence of additives not permitted for use in meat and meat products.
Naivas Supermarket denied the use of the preservative in their meat products, stating that they only accept meat that has been certified by government veterinary officers at the slaughter house.
The Consumers Federation of Kenya (CofeK) lobby called on the government to impose stiff penalties on retail shops that would be found culpable of using preservatives that are not permitted.
The Law Society of Kenya has demanded immediate action on supermarkets that use illegal and harmful chemicals to preserve meat.
