This archive report was first published on 20 July 2019.
On July 20, 2019, Nairobi County Executive for health Mohamed Dagane issued a stern warning to owners and managers of six supermarkets whose meat sections were shut down over poisonous meat.
The six outlets - Tusker Mattress in Eastlands, Naivas Supermarket Gateway Mall, Naivas Supermarket Rabai Road, Muthaiga Fine Meat Limited, Tuskys Supermarket Kenyatta Avenue, and others - are accused of contravening section 4 and 36 (1) of Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Cap 254 as contained in Statute Law Act No. 2 of 2002.
“Those who fail to honour the summons will be arrested,” Dagane said, adding that, “They have no otherwise. Human life must be respected.”
The officials are accused of using preservatives beyond the 500 milligrams per kilogram limit allowed by law, as well as engaging in illegal processing, treating, labelling, packaging, selling or advertising food in a matter that is false, misleading and deceptive in trade.
They also face charges of endangering human life as well as engaging in businesses not captured in their licenses.
On Thursday, the county closed down meat sections of the supermarkets and promised a crackdown on all eateries in town.
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko issued executive orders to the county health department to probe and carry out tests on all eateries.
“Take this order seriously and table a report in my office,” Sonko said.
