This archive report was first published on 22 November 2019.
On November 20, 2019, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) lifted a suspension on the Dola and Kifaru maize flour brands, stating that they had met the required standards. The two brands were among five others that were initially declared unfit for human consumption due to high levels of aflatoxin.
Kebs acting Director for Quality Assurance Bernard Nguyo said an inspection had been conducted to review the effectiveness of controls put in place by manufacturers before their products were released into the market. The review aimed to ensure that future products met the necessary standards.
According to a notice sent to Kitui Flour Mills Ltd, the suspension of their standardisation mark permit for sifted maize meal branded Dola (Permit Number 1317) was lifted effective from November 20, 2019. A similar notice was sent to Alpha Grain Millers Ltd, who process Kifaru.
Kebs directed the two millers to arrange for the destruction of the products that were declared unsafe and to strictly adhere to the scheme of supervision and control signed between Kebs and their representatives.
Nguyo emphasized that it was the responsibility of the firms to ensure continued product compliance for their sifted maize meal products. Kebs would continue to monitor the effectiveness of their controls through market surveillance, factory inspection, and testing.
