This archive report was first published on 21 August 2019.
On August 21, 2019, a controversy surrounding the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) came to light after it approved the release of over 23 tonnes of ginger oil from Vietnam.
The ginger oil, imported by Fairoil EPZ Limited, was found to be 'dirty, moist, mouldy, rotting, and emitting a pungent smell' upon physical examination by Port Health services. Further analysis by the Government Chemist revealed that the ginger contained 14% moisture, exceeding the 12% limit allowed by law and medical science.
Despite the warnings, Kebs released the ginger oil to the company, sparking concerns about the safety of millions of Kenyans who may be exposed to the potentially hazardous product.
According to a letter from J. Kombo, the Public Health Officer at the Kilindini port, the ginger oil had failed to meet the required standards and was condemned for destruction. However, Kebs seems to have ignored the warnings and released the product, raising questions about the integrity of the standards body.
Kebs' manager for port operations claimed that the port's public health had no jurisdiction to intervene on raw materials imported by EPZs, but this explanation has been met with skepticism by many.
