The Kenya Bureau of Standards, in a statement published on Wednesday 6th December, has clarified that edible oils imported by Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) is fit for human consumption since it took the initiative of sampling, re-inspecting and testing the edible oils before releasing it to the market.
“From the tests done, the edible oil complied with all the health and safety parameters of the applicable, Kenya Standard KS EAS 769: 2019,” KEBS said.
Even though the imported edible oils failed to fulfil the Vitamin A levels specified in the Kenyan Standard, KEBS mentioned that it was not a health and safety parameter and had communicated to Kenya National Trading Corporation about the failure.
The Bureau has also rebutted reports from the media that the Kshs 17 billion edible oil imported by the Government via Kenya National Trading Corporation was unfit for human consumption.
“We would like to assure the public that KEBS is committed to ensuring the safety and quality of all locally manufactured and imported products into the country,” KEBS wrote.
It also added that it uses Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) to assess the quality of goods which are imported into the country.
Pre-Export Verification of Conformity, is a conformity assessment initiative which ensures that all imported goods meet the necessary standards before they are allowed into the Kenyan market hence protecting the consumer well-being and promoting just trade operations.
Earlier the Woman Representative of Busia County, Catherine Omanyo claimed that there was inedible oil imported to the country which could sweep all Kenyans and she is against that.
“I am going to sponsor a bill to the parliament that every imported food item should go to the statehouse and consumed by Ruto and Rachel first before taken to Kenyan shops” She declared.
However, KEBS noted that it will ensure the best quality and well-being of products and will continue to raise awareness about the risks associated with sub-standard goods.
The bureau encouraged the public in general to be more vigilant and report any suspected sub-standard goods to KEBS.