KEBS denies claims of contaminated rice in the market

KEBS denies claims of contaminated rice in the market. [Courtesy]

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has refuted claims that contaminated rice is circulating in the Kenyan market.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 11, the Bureau dismissed reports by some media outlets as ‘misinformation’ and urged the public to disregard the claims.

Earlier reports alleged that more than 2 million kilograms of rice imported from Pakistan between September and November had failed aflatoxin tests, reportedly exceeding locally permissible limits.

The rice, imported by Gama Food Traders Ltd, was said to have been shipped via the Indian Ocean to the Port of Mombasa without certificates of conformity.

It was further alleged that after KEBS discovered the contamination, market surveillance officers seized only 23 tonnes of the rice, leaving 2,057 tonnes to potentially reach the market.

KEBS has since clarified the situation, stating: “All the 2,078,500 kilograms of Pakistan long-grain rice imported by M/S Gama Food Traders Limited between September 30, 2024, and November 12, 2024, have been tested and found fit for human consumption.”

The bureau attributed the contamination claims to confusion with a separate batch of rice. 

According to KEBS, this batch—452 sacks shipped in June 2022—was stored by M/S Anytime Limited at Central Business Park Godowns. The rice had deteriorated in quality while being withheld by the company awaiting compensation from the supplier.

KEBS confirmed that the compromised batch, deemed unfit for consumption, was seized and is in the process of being destroyed. None of it had entered the market.

“We assure Kenyans that all rice available in the market is safe and fit for consumption. KEBS has noted recent media reports alleging otherwise and categorically states that these claims are false,” the bureau said in a statement.