This archive report was first published on 15 August 2019.
On August 15, 2019, the Kenyan government made a decision to release a consignment of edible oil to the local market, following investigations that found it suitable for human consumption.
The oil, which lacked fortification with Vitamin A, was initially impounded by detectives in 2018. However, after conducting further investigations, the multi-agency committee agreed that it could be released for public use.
Cabinet Secretary for Trade and Industrialization, Peter Munya, explained that importers who wanted to sell the edible oil lacking fortification would need to label it as such.
"The edible oils which have been determined fit for human consumption although lacking fortification is released for use as raw material," Munya said.
Already, 58 consignments of the imported oil have been released to the local market. The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) will undertake market surveillance to ensure compliance.
Additionally, the committee has decided to destroy a mercury-linked sugar consignment that was previously confiscated.
