This archive report was first published on 18 July 2019.
On July 18, 2019, Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua took swift action to protect the health of his constituents by ordering the closure of meat sections in three Naivas Supermarket branches in the county.
The decision was made after a meat sample collected from Naivas Supermarket at Gateway Mall in Mavoko was found to contain 3,286 milligrams of an additive to prolong its shelf life, which is not permitted for use in meat.
The raid at the supermarket followed an exposé by NTV's Red Alert, which revealed how supermarkets use illegal and harmful chemicals to preserve meat.
According to Dr. Mutua, the sample contained 3,286 milligrams of an additive that should not be used in meat, as stated in a laboratory report.
As a precautionary measure, the governor directed his officers to close all meat sections in the three Naivas branches until they are cleared by the county government's public health department.
Dr. Mutua also called for investigations and advisory to the public, urging his officers to move with speed to all supermarkets in Machakos County.
