This archive report was first published on 18 July 2019.
On July 15, 2019, a joint survey by the Ministry of Health and Nairobi County found alarming evidence of toxic preservatives in meat sold in the capital city.
Out of 40 samples collected, six tested positive for Sodium Metabisulfite, a chemical that can be harmful in large doses.
Health Secretary Sicily Kariuki confirmed that action has been taken against retailers found selling the toxic meat products.
According to Kariuki, the ministry and the Nairobi County Public Health Department seized all the affected meat, closed the outlets, and destroyed the products.
The traders involved have also been taken to court.
The crackdown follows an exposé by NTV that revealed how some supermarkets use the preservative in their meat sections to avoid spoilage and losses.
