This archive report was first published on 23 July 2019.
July 23, 2019 - Mombasa County has taken a drastic measure to ensure the safety of meat consumed by residents. All meat outlets have been ordered to halt meat sales for three days to determine whether meat sold in supermarkets, top butcheries, and consumed in hotels are fit for human consumption.
Public Health Chief Officer Aisha Abubakar led a team of inspectors who collected meat samples from several supermarkets for inspection at the Government Chemist in Nairobi. The team interrogated officials and collected meat samples in a daylong exercise.
Media reports have indicated that some outlets lace meat with metabisulphite, a chemical, to keep the product looking fresh for longer, hence preventing spoilage and losses. The use of the preservative has sparked fear among consumers and raised concerns over the quality and safety control of meat in the country.
The use of metabisulphite was banned in the US due to its negative health effects, including running nose, itchy throat, nasal congestion, and skin rashes.
Ms Abubakar urged residents to stop consuming red meat from major outlets for the next three days, saying, “I am urging residents to stop consuming red meat from major outlets for the next three days, or so. Until we get results from the Government Chemist, we cannot assure them of the quality at the moment.”
However, the county government will not collect meat samples from small butcheries, as they buy fresh meat in quantities that are immediately sold out and hence are not suspected of using preservatives.
