Naivas dismisses claims of selling expired goods, store closures

Naivas Supermarket has come out guns blazing to quash swirling online reports that its branches are peddling expired products and have hence been shut down by health authorities.

In a strongly worded press statement released on Wednesday, the retail giant said the claims making rounds on social media were not just inaccurate but outright fabrications.

"No expired products have been found on our shelves, and we maintain stringent internal quality control and stock management systems across all our branches to ensure product safety and compliance with health regulations," the statement read in part.

The supermarket chain, one of Kenya’s largest and most frequented, has also rubbished claims that its outlets have been shut down by regulatory bodies.

"No Naivas branch has been closed by any regulatory or health authority. All our stores remain fully operational and compliant with all national and county-level standards set by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the Ministry of Health, and relevant bodies," the statement added.

The supermarket did not mince words about the impact of these allegations, calling them not only misleading but also dangerous to its relationship with customers.

"The circulating claims are entirely false, misleading, and potentially harmful, not just to our brand but to our valued customers who rely on us for daily essentials. Naivas is taking legal advice regarding a formal action against the individuals or organisations that are spreading misinformation regarding Naivas," it stated.

The retailer also emphasized its zero-tolerance stance on unethical conduct, adding; "Naivas has a very strict anti-bribery and corruption policy and will not submit to extortionary tactics."