Governor Ruto warns unscrupulous milk hawkers adding chemicals

Milk impounded from unauthorised hawkers, presented here in court as exhibits by the Kenya Dairy Board. Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto has warned unscrupulous milk hawkers in the region who are adding hydrogen peroxide and formalin to fresh milk in order to preserve it. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Mr Ruto termed adulterating milk as an act of dishonesty to customers.
  • He said if left unchecked, it could ruin people’s lives or even cause deaths.
  • Mr Ruto has on several occasions urged milk handlers to embrace hygiene while handling it.

Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto has accused unscrupulous milk hawkers in the region of adding hydrogen peroxide and formalin to fresh milk in order to preserve it.

Speaking on Sunday, Mr Ruto said these measures are dangerous and amount to dishonesty and if left unchecked, the adulterated milk could ruin people’s lives or even cause deaths.

“I am going to work closely with officials of the Kenya Dairy Board to ensure that unscrupulous milk peddlers are gotten rid of,” he said.

Mr Ruto said it is wrong for milk traders to make brisk business while jeopardising the lives of their innocent clients.

“As the region’s chief executive officer, I will never entertain such business to thrive in the area since this [will harm] the lives of the consumers of the stuff,” he remarked.

“Formalin is used to preserve dead bodies and it is so sad that some people are fond of adding the chemical to fresh milk and making money out of such illicit trade,” he lamented.

Mr Ruto has on several occasions urged milk handlers to embrace better hygiene by using recommended milk containers, as stipulated by the board, for their own good and that of their clients.