Earlier this week, the National Assembly Committee on Trade stopped the release of the 503 containers of edible oil imported into the country last year.
The Kanini Kega-led committee said Kenya Bureau of Standards last year declared the oil, imported from Asian countries, unfit for consumption as it did not have Vitamin A.
On August 1, Trade CS Peter Munya, ordered the release of the consignment into the local market. He issued a waiver to the importers.
Munya stood firm on the decision to release the controversial Sh10 billion worth of edible oils, saying the decision was reached by a multi-agency team, including the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
But the manufacturers said that the Government, through the fortification standards, requires that all edible oils imported or sold in the country are fortified with vitamin A to correct or prevent a demonstrated micronutrient deficiency.
"The Multi-Agency Taskforce’s objective is to ensure that goods coming into the country are of good quality, will not distort the market through unfair competition, and most importantly, are fit for human consumption," the statement read.
KAM said it would want to see the allegations urgently investigated and the required standards upheld in order to safeguard the health and safety of consumers in the country.
They said it is also important that the matter is dealt with swiftly to prevent market distortion, by giving an unfair advantage to the imported edible oil.
The association also said there is a need to ensure that any duties imposed on the imported oil are paid.
