By Irene Mwangi
A quality test done by the Kenya Bureau of standards (KRBS) now shows that only samples of sugar seized from Eastleigh and Ruiru areas contain heavy metals which include copper and lead.
According to KEBS acting MD Moses Kiara, no others samples tested by KEBS have shown presence of heavy metals.
It has been made clear by the KEBS that samples of sugar seized by the multi-agency team that was collected at East leigh and Ruiru areas only contains heavy metals. This report presented by KEBS acting MD Moses Kiara before the joint parliamentary committee alluding that according to their research as of now only the samples of the two areas shows presence of heavy metal.
53 samples were tested representing 17 counties, in an ongoing countrywide testing on the quality of sugar in the market. According to the surveillance, of the 38 samples compiled 15 failed to meet the standards as they had yeast and moulds.The research showing that majority of samples taken in Mombasa County and Kiambu County failed the quality test
The members of the joint parliamentary committee raised queries on the companies behind the importation of the poisonous sugar.
Whether or not the sugar that failed the quality test is safe for human consumption still remains a puzzle with the MD for KEBS Moses Kiara claiming the sugar is indeed unfit for human consumption.
Of the 1 319 668 50kg bags seized by multi agency, KEBS tested 1 266 351 bags. 157 392 complied with the standards while 837 244 bags failed. 705000 of the bags that failed the test was sugar meant for processing.