This archive report was first published on 11 November 2019.
On November 4, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) suspended seven peanut butter brands, including Truenutz by Truenutz Kenya, Fressy by Fressy Food Company Limited, and Supa Meal by Supacosm Products Limited.
The other banned brands were Nuteez by Jetlak Foods Limited, Sue's Naturals by Nature's Way Health, Zesta by Trufoods Limited, and Nutty by Nature by Target Distributors.
Kebs instructed the manufacturers to discontinue production and recall stock already supplied for sale until corrective measures were taken.
Following the ban, Rwanda's Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) instructed the public to stop consuming the products.
Dr. Charles Karangwa, the FDA's acting Director-General, directed importers, distributors, supermarkets, and retailers to stop the importation, distribution, and sale of the 'incriminated' brands and return them to suppliers amid investigations.
Dr. Karangwa also instructed all importers and supermarkets to submit reports within 10 working days on imported, distributed, returned quantities, and available quantities of each brand.
Meanwhile, Kebs has faced criticism for its 'unfair and selective' ban on five maize flour brands over high aflatoxin levels.
Starehe Community Group has demanded that Kebs rescind the decision to ban Dola by Kitui Four Mills, Kifaru by Alpha Grain Limited, Starehe by Pan African Grain Millers, 210 Two Ten by Kenblest Limited, and Jembe by Kensal Rise Limited.
