Kenyans may be unknowingly consuming poisonous rice after a consignment of 2 million kilograms, declared unfit for human consumption, was diverted into the market.
Despite the rice being found to contain dangerously high levels of aflatoxin, no arrests have been made, and the culprits appear to be walking free.
Documents obtained by Citizen TV from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) reveal that the rice, imported from Pakistan in September and October, failed safety tests due to aflatoxin contamination.
KEBS offices. Photo: Tuko Source: Facebook
The rice, imported by Gamma Food Traders Limited, was shipped through the Indian Ocean to the port of Mombasa, where it arrived without the required certificates of conformity.
While KEBS officers moved quickly to intercept the toxic rice, only a fraction of the contaminated consignment was seized.
Out of the 83,000 bags imported, 23 tons were confiscated, while the remaining 257 tons made its way into the Kenyan market.
The rice was found to contain 11.54 parts per billion (ppb) of aflatoxin—well above the permissible 5.0 ppb per kilogram, posing a serious health risk to consumers.
Bags of rice packed in a store. Photo: The Star Source: Facebook
he rice was distributed to various parts of Kenya, with large quantities sold in Central Business Park and Industrial Area in Nairobi.
Despite efforts to recall the contaminated rice, only 5,300 kg of Biryani rice and 6,000 kg of another batch were recovered.
The government has failed to make any arrests or take meaningful action against the parties responsible, leaving Kenyans at risk of consuming toxic food.
With the festive season around the corner, many unsuspecting consumers could be exposed to this health hazard. As the situation continues, there are growing concerns that the authorities are not doing enough to protect the public.
