6,350 tonnes of maize might be safe after all
PM Raila Odinga. He commissioned tests in his capacity as chairman of the Cabinet committee on food security. Photo/FILE
The controversy surrounding 6,350 tonnes of maize which a government agency has declared unfit for human consumption deepened Wednesday as details emerged that it might be declared fit after all.
A source close to the analysis of the grain told the Nation that there were indications that once an independent analyst was brought in, the matter would be finally sorted out.
Since the controversy arose over the results of the analysis, with only Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) finding the consignment unsafe, there have been calls from various quarters that independent analysts, including the World Health Organisation, should be engaged to clear the air.
“I highly doubt that any reputable international organisation will find the maize unfit for human consumption,” said the source, who sought anonymity as he is not authorised to comment on such matters.
The grain, worth Sh300 million, is part of 8,100 tonnes the National Cereals and Produce Board imported in three consignments last year. Kebs declared it unfit for human consumption because it allegedly contains chemical residues, including aflatoxin and others which are said to cause cancer. It said the consignment would be re-shipped to South Africa, the country of origin.
Among other agencies involved in the analysis were Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis), the Government Chemist and Polucon Services Kenya Ltd, a private inspection firm.
Raised questions
Internationally recognised inspection firms, SGS and Intertek, have also carried out analysis and declared the maize fit for human consumption.
The Intertek tests were commissioned by Prime Minister Raila Odinga in his capacity as chairman of the Cabinet committee on food security. During a visit to Mombasa recently, the parliamentary committee on agriculture chairman, Mr John Mututho, said the SGS had described the maize as clean.
Kebs had earlier said the cereal would be sold as animal feed, raising questions over the cancer-causing chemical residues claimed to be contained in the maize.
