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Parliament Buildings, Thursday, September 19, 2024
Appearing before the Senate Committee on Trade, Industrialization, and Tourism, the Managing Director of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Mrs. Esther Ngari, raised concerns regarding the insufficient levels of Vitamin A found in imported cooking oil. The committee, led by Senator Seki, sought answers on the production and importation of cooking oil in Kenya, focusing on public health and safety.
Mrs. Ngari informed the committee that Kenya has 50 certified local manufacturers producing cooking oil, all inspected for compliance with the KS EAS 769: 2019 standard for fortified edible oils and fats. The conversation centered around imported edible oil, specifically consignments from Malaysia imported by the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) between May and November 2023.
A total of 73 consignments arrived in Kenya, accompanied by Certificates of Conformity (CoC) issued by SGS, a KEBS Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) partner responsible for ensuring the imported products meet Kenyan standards. However, only 44 of these consignments have been approved through the KEBS Import Management System (KIMS), while six are still in the submission stage. Additionally, 23 consignments are pending as they have not yet been declared by the importers.
Senator Karungo raised concerns about whether the imported oil is fit for human consumption. Mrs. Ngari explained that Vitamin A, an essential fortificant, must be present in cooking oil at levels of 20 to 40 mg/kg as per the KS EAS 769: 2019 standard. However, tests revealed insufficient Vitamin A in some of the samples tested from eight consignments targeted for destination inspection.
“The presence of high amounts of insoluble impurities can accelerate oil oxidation, shortening its shelf life,” Mrs. Ngari explained, assuring the committee that the KEBS test results are reliable. She added that one consignment has been placed on hold due to verification issues, while some importers have yet to complete the clearance process, hindering further actions from KEBS.
The committee, chaired by Senator Seki, requested KEBS to provide additional documentation, including Certificates of Conformity for the received consignments and communications with KNTC regarding non-compliant shipments. The committee also asked KEBS to share letters directing KNTC to either ship back or destroy the non-compliant consignments within 30 days.
Sen. Seki concluded, “We will communicate further regarding any clarification needed, and if necessary, we will call you back for further discussions to ensure the public’s safety.”
This hearing underscores the Senate’s commitment to ensuring that only safe and compliant products reach the Kenyan market while highlighting the procedural hurdles faced in ensuring product quality.
