Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has denied reports that traces of mercury and copper were found in recently impounded contraband sugar.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i had earlier said that tests carried out by government chemist confirmed presence of the two compounds in the sugar, making it dangerous for human consumption.
Speaking when he appeared before National Assembly Trade Committee on Thursday, KEBS Managing Director Charles Ongwae said tests done by the agency found no traces of the compounds.
“The sugar samples were tested against EAS 749:210, the sugar samples were further tested for heavy metals contaminants as a result of public outcry and no mercury was detected. I want to be very specific that no mercury has been detected in the samples that we have tested,” he said.
Ongwae further noted that tests on the sugar are first done in the country of origin and when the consignment arrives at the port of Mombasa.
“For sugar to be cleared at the point of entry, the following government agencies must approve release based on their individual requirements. The KRA for customs and tax issues, KEBS for quality, Port health for food safety, Sugar directorate top confirm that they actually issued that license and the radiation protection board for safety and the Kenya Port Authority for logistics,” he stated.
His sentiments are similar to those of Industrialization Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohammed, but sharply differs to claims by Interior CS Fred Matiangi.
“We are a professional body, we say things as we see them. In science it’s possible that if you test another sample you might get different results but based on the samples we tested the results are as we have given,” Ongwae added.
The illegal sugar, mainly smuggled into Kenya from Brazil, was impounded in Eastleigh estate in Nairobi and suspects arrested.
Ongwae, It’s too late to do…
Ongwae, It’s too late to do damage control or safe face.
Ongwae is trying to bring…
Ongwae is trying to bring their Gusii tribal superiority wars but he will loose.I just wonder what he is up to because his organization came late and should have warned the public before others.Or had he been bribed to keep mum like they did in 08/09 Raila maize import?
May be the batch Ongwae…
May be the batch Ongwae tested is not the same as the one the gava tested…
In science if same testes are conducted on similar substance under same conditions same testing apparatus and with equally qualified technicians the results should be the same.Both entities should have same results if they are testing same metal in this case mercury.May be the two should face the press at the same time and clear the discrepancy.Or let wananchi decide who to believe.
I cannot trust Charles…
I cannot trust Charles Ongwae or (KEB)on this one. Do not use sugar or anything that has sugar in it. You can survive without sugar. Better safe than sorry