Social media and mainstream media platforms went abuzz with claims that toxic Ceres Apple Juice recalled from markets are still retailing in shops and supermarkets. Following a statement by South African Based company pioneer foods, Ceres Apple juice has been recalled for having high levels of patulin, a fruit-based mold toxin that causes nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal disturbances.
In a statement, Common Market Eastern Southern Africa (COMESA) advised that consumers should return the products where they purchased them for a refund or replacement. The affected juice brands are said to have been distributed to Kenya, Uganda, Seychelles, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mauritius, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
“The Commission would like to inform the general public to exercise caution and avoid the purchase or consumption of the recalled products,” Stated COMESA
The Kenya Bureau of Standards Managing director has dismissed claims that the recalled Ceres Apple Juice batch is still retailing in shops and supermarkets. In a statement on Thursday, KEBS MD Bernard Njiraini said that the batch said to have toxins is still in the warehouse.
Speaking to Kachwanya.com, the Managing Director said that KEBS is aware of the information shared on the COMESAs website and the move by pioneer foods to recall the products. “We engaged both COMESA and Pioneer foods on the issue and the company has assured us that the consignment that came from Southafrica with the said batch is still in the warehouses,” stated KEBS MD, Bernard Njiraini.
Business Daily, among other media platforms, had earlier reported on the lack of response from the standardization agency and the Managing Director had this to say… “The reason for the delayed statement by KEBS is that we were establishing facts about this product. We sort information from Pioneer Foods as well as the distributor of this product, Weetabix and they gave us their official statement. The batch is still in the warehouses.”
Speaking at the World Standards Day Celebration Thursday, KEBS MD was quick to point out that the agency has deployed personnel to the market for surveillance to confirm the statements given by Pioneer foods and Weetabix. To a certain that the product is not there. “Kenyans should know that we are there to protect their safety and health as a government agency. We have people on the ground undertaking market surveillance.” Said Njiraini
Talking about standards, take a look at this
