This archive report was first published on 18 July 2019.
On July 18, 2019, Machakos Governor Dr. Alfred Mutua took swift action to protect the health of his constituents by banning Naivas Supermarket meat sections in the county.
The decision came after a laboratory report revealed that a sample of meat sold at Naivas' Gateway Mall outlet in Mavoko contained 3,286 milligrams of Sodium Metabisulfite, an additive not permitted for use in meat.
Dr. Mutua directed his officers to close the meat/butchery sections of all Naivas stores in Machakos County immediately, citing suspicion that the supplier of meat at all Naivas Supermarkets in the county was the same entity.
He also ordered his officers to collaborate with national government counterparts to conduct investigations and provide advisory to the public at all supermarkets in Machakos County.
The butchery sections will remain closed until the county government's public health department gives the okay to reopen.
Dr. Mutua emphasized that his government would continue to protect the health and rights of citizens and shut down any businesses found to be polluting and abusing public trust.
The move follows an NTV expose that revealed some supermarkets were using Sodium Metabisulfite to prolong the shelf life of meat products.
Health Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki had directed county health departments to conduct heightened surveillance in all supermarkets, butcheries, and meat processors to check for the presence of food additives not permitted for use in meat and meat products.
