Unilever’s Aromat risks recall over GMO
Chief public health officer Kepha Ombacho at a past event. PHOTO/SULEIMAN MBATIAH/NATION
What you need to know:
- The food seasoning’s labelling indicates that its ingredients include salt, maize flour that contains genetically modified material
- Kenya has restrictions on GM maize that have locked out major exporters including South Africa from the local market
The Ministry of Health said Tuesday it would issue a directive calling for the withdrawal of Unilever’s Aromat food seasoning from the shop shelves over genetically modified (GM) content.
The food seasoning’s labelling indicates that its ingredients include salt, maize flour that contains genetically modified material and a flavour enhancer, among others.
Kenya has restrictions on GM maize that have locked out major exporters, including South Africa, from the local market, which faces frequent grain shortages.
“From here, we will issue a circular to ensure that all the Aromat is removed from the shelves,” said chief public health officer Kepha Ombacho during a session with the parliamentary Committee for Agriculture, Livestock and Co-operatives in Nairobi on Tuesday.
“We work by doing general surveillance which is a continuous routine process and want to assure you that we will take action as per our mandate,” said Dr Omacho.
The pledge comes after Makueni MP Daniel Maanzo alerted the committee of Aromat ingredients, prompting the directive from the Health ministry.
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