• County director of Public Health and Sanitation Dr Fredrick Oluoch said they received information that some food vendors were selling expired food and contraband goods.
• “We are conducting impromptu raids in markets and food joints to seize food, which is unfit. Those found doing such unscrupulous business will be arrested,” he said.
Image: The Star
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Two suspects were arrested by police in Manyatta, Kisumu Central after they were found with a consignment of rotten fish on Friday.
Kisumu Central subcounty police commander Anthony Maina confirmed the arrest following a tip off from the public.
This is after the Kisumu government launched raids in food joints and markets to seize food suspected to be unfit for human consumption.
The raid by county public health officials started on Friday following public complaints that unfit food was being sold in the markets by unscrupulous traders.
County director of Public Health and Sanitation Dr Fredrick Oluoch said they received information that some food vendors were selling expired food and contraband goods.
“We are conducting impromptu raids in markets and food joints to seize food, which is unfit. Those found doing such unscrupulous business will be arrested and charged,” he said.
Oluoch who spoke during the World’s Toilet Day in Kasawino market in Nyamasaria village, Kisumu over the weekend, said the public officials are also inspecting food in supermarkets.
He ordered the crackdown following public concerns that some fish vendors were allegedly selling rotten or dead fish from Lake Victoria.
“We are targeting unscrupulous traders who might take advantage of selling dead fish to the public,” Oluoch said.
The director warned such traders that they are very vigilant and stern action will be taken against those found with unfit food.
He issued health alerts to residents urging them not to consume bad fish. “Such can be health hazardous as it can cause food poisoning,” he added.
Oluoch further commended police and public officials for acting swiftly to impound the contraband.
“We will not tolerate unscrupulous food vendors to risk lives of residents in the county,” he said.
Oluoch assured residents that they are committed to enforcing food safety measures especially with the growing concern of massive fish death in the lake.
The officials also inspect how food is prepared and cooked, reheated, cooled and stored in local markets.
Besides preparation, the team inspects building and food safety to protect the lives of consumers.
Oluoch said they conduct inspections where food is produced, shipped, processed, or sold to check compliance with food safety and labeling laws.
“Going forward, we will do routine inspections in fish markets and grocery stores, check sanitary conditions, food preparation process, and storage," he said.
They check compliance with licensing, pricing, labeling, and point-of-purchase advertising regulations.
According to Oluoch, food inspectors collect samples of fresh, in-store packaged and processed for laboratory test and analysis.
The officers also make investigatory visits and follow up on public complaints, many of which are prompted by consumer concerns.
Dr Oluoch said they will also inspect food processing industries to ensure compliance with the law.
“We want to ensure food processing factories have licenses and conduct visual inspections of the physical plant,” he said.
The initiative is aimed at ensuring the firms are in good condition, clean, dry, and free of insect infestation or any contamination from humans handling the food.
The inspectors also check refrigeration equipment, take air temperature readings, look for evidence of spoilage, and collect food samples for physical, chemical, and microbiological analyses.
Oluoch disclosed that they will take stern action in case of violation.