The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has clarified that Mokwa maize flour milled in Kigoto, Suba South is fit for human consumption.
This follows reports carried in a section of the press that the product was unfit for human consumption.
KEBS Lake Regional Manager Andrew Maiyo clarified that tests which had earlier showed high aflatoxin levels were samples from the milling machine test ran batch.
KEBS had released a report that revealed that a sample of the maize flour tested 19.46 aflatoxin levels against a maximum 10.
According to the report, the sample was collected for a test on August 28, 2023.
But KEBS has released results of a subsequent test which indicated that Mokwa is fit for human consumption.
Maiyo clarified that the maize flour indicated the aflatoxin was taken from 36 bales which were meant for testing the machine for a new production system.
“The sample tested was part of the 36 bales which were used for testing the new production system. We have taken steps to condemn it and we will soon, in liaison with county officials destroy the bales,” Maiyo said.
Addressing the press accompanied by Governor Gladys Wanga at the county headquarters, Maiyo said KEBS instructed the county government to ensure the maize used in the plant met the required standards.
The Manager explained that the county government complied with the directive. Later, they took another sample for test.
Maiyo said subsequent test revealed that Mokwa met the required standards hence it is safe for human consumption.
“The subsequent sample collected and tested revealed that Mokwa meets the standards required by KEBS and it is fit for human consumption,” Maiyo said.
Therefore, the new test indicates that the maize plant produces a product which is safe for Kenyans.
“Our conclusion is that apart from the 36 bales, the firm produces a product which is safe for lives of Kenyans,” Maiyo said.
Wanga said her administration took quick corrective measures to rectify the hitches noticed in the 36 bales whose sample was tested.
“We took quick corrective measures to ensure Mokwa passes the test,” Wanga said.
She assured residents that the flour produced by the company is safe.
“As KEBS has clarified the safety of our product, let the public have confidence that the flour is suitable for human consumption,” Wanga said, adding that her administration is committed to promoting industrialization.
“We will continue to open more industries to create jobs for our people,” Wanga added.
Wanga was accompanied by County Executive Committee Member for trade Polycap Okombo and Chief Officer for Investment Ellyas Orondo among other county government officials.
By Davis Langat
