A significant portion of the food sold within Kenya lacks proper traceability, raising serious concerns about public health and safety.
This lack of transparency in the food supply chain makes it difficult to identify the origin of food products and track potential contamination sources.
Interviewed by KNA today, a Nakuru Public Health Officer Peter Gichure highlighted the vulnerability of the Kenyan food system, where a large volume of food, particularly from small-scale farmers and informal markets, enters the supply chain without adequate documentation. This lack of traceability hinders effective monitoring and response in cases of foodborne illnesses, he said.
Identifying some of the concerns in Nakuru County, Gichure said contaminated milk was a serious concern because most of the milk consumed is sold by motorbike riders who distribute it to various households using unhygienic jerricans which were not approved for delivery of milk.
He noted that even if they were washed daily, the plastic material has a higher capacity of harbouring bacteria, which is made worse by the heat produced by the bikes in motion, and also the hot January weather.
Additionally, he said serious apprehension has been raised about the safety of fish harvested from Lake Nakuru.
He noted that studies have indicated the presence of harmful chemicals in the fish, rendering it potentially unfit for human consumption. This underscores the importance of regular monitoring and testing of food products, particularly those sourced from potentially contaminated environments, Gichure noted.
The officer emphasized that the consequences of an untraceable food supply were far reaching and the risks included foodborne illnesses such as the salmonella, E. coli, and other bacterial infections.
He noted that in the event of a food safety crisis, such as a product recall due to contamination, it becomes extremely difficult to effectively trace and remove affected products from the market. Moreover, the lack of transparency erodes consumer trust in the safety and quality of the food they consume.
“Foodborne illnesses can lead to significant healthcare costs and lost productivity, impacting both individuals and the economy,’’ he said.
However, he stated that the county in collaboration with the agricultural department was addressing this critical issue by implementing stricter regulations for food businesses, including mandatory traceability systems, through training small-scale farmers and educating consumers on the importance of food safety and the risks associated with untraceable food.
An example of the dangers of contaminated food is the recent tragedy at the Kipkelion village in Kericho county where a number of people fell sick due to contaminated mursik (sour milk).
By addressing these challenges, Kenya could improve the safety and security of its food supply, protect public health, and bolster the confidence of both local and international consumers.
By Veronica Bosibori