This archive report was first published on 22 September 2019.
Kenyan consumers may have unknowingly consumed toxic ginger in the past month, warn public health officials.
The ginger, a mixture of ginger, honey, lemon, hot water, and garlic, was imported from Vietnam in a 23,000-tonne consignment.
According to laboratory analysis by the Government Chemist, the ginger was rotten, dirty, moist, and had moulds.
Mr. Muhammed Duba, Secretary-General of the Association of Public Health Officers, stated that the consignment had moulds and should not have been released into the market.
However, the consignment was released, and the public health officials have since raised concerns about the ginger's safety.
The results revealed that the ginger had a foul smell and appearance, with a moisture content of 14 per cent, exceeding the maximum limit of 12 per cent.
As a result, the public health officials are sounding the alarm against the consumption of the toxins, which can damage liver cells and cause cancer.
The consignment was imported by Fairoils EPZ Limited in Nairobi and was meant for oil extraction, but it was released into the market.
The health officials attribute the health risks to a circular from the national government restricting their ability to inspect imported foodstuffs, cosmetics, and disinfectants.
The circular, dated June 2019, restricted public health officers to only declaring the arrival of goods at the port and not taking samples for laboratory tests.
Mr. Duba stated, 'As from June this year, we have been at the ports as spectators. Kenyans are at the mercy of the government that decides what to bring, whether good or bad.'
The association has since gone to court to petition for a review of the directive to regain their mandate.
Mr. Duba added, 'We have made our case that this nation is subjected to unsafe chemicals and food. The withdrawal of our mandate at the ports points to vested interests out to profit at the expense of the safety of Kenyans.'
The questionable consignment of ginger arrived at the Mombasa port on August 8 and was checked by public health officials the next day.
However, the consignment was released into the market, and the public health officials are now sounding the alarm against the consumption of the toxins.
