6 Nairobi supermarket managers to appear in court over poisonous meat

A Nairobi court has summoned owners and managers of six supermarkets whose meat sections were shut down over poisonous meat.

The six outlets are accused of contravening section 4 and 36 (1) of Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Cap 254 as contained in Statute Law Act No. 2 of 2002.

“Those who fail to honour the summons will be arrested,” Nairobi County Executive for health  Mohamed Dagane said adding that, “They have no otherwise. Human life must be respected.”

The officials from Tusker Mattress in Eastlands, Naivas Supermarket Gateway Mall, Naivas Supermarket Rabai Road, Muthaiga Fine Meat Limited and Tuskys Supermarket Kenyatta Avenue will have to explain to the court why they have been using preservatives beyond the 500 milligrams per kilogram that is the limit allowed by law.

Other offences include illegal processing, treating, labelling, packaging, selling or advertising food in a matter that is false, misleading and deceptive in trade.

They also face charges of endangering human life as well as engaging in businesses not captured in their licenses.

On Thursday, the county closed down meat sections of the supermarkets and promised a crackdown on all eateries in town.

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko issued executive orders to the county health department to probe and carry out tests on all eateries.

In a meeting with the health officials, the county boss assured residents that any culprit caught will face the full wrath of the law.

“Take this order seriously and table a report in my office,” Sonko said.

The county is also continue with its clampdown as guidelines on food control are set up to beef up existing policies.

Officials from the national government are expected to boost the exercise.