National Biosafety Authority loses bid to stop Aromat sales
The National Biosafety Authority has argued that the Aromat food seasoning had been found by other government agencies to contain genetically modified content. PHOTO | SALATON NJAU
What you need to know:
- Justice Isaac Lenaola declined to lift the orders and directed both the authority and Unilever Kenya Ltd to put in their responses and submissions before the hearing on July 22.
- Lawyer Kamau Karori representing Unilever in opposing the application argued that Aromat had been in the market for 13 years and the bid to have it withdrawn from the market on claims it contains GM content was unjustified.
A food safety authority wants orders blocking it from recalling and stopping the sale of a seasoning product lifted.
The National Biosafety Authority argued that the Aromat food seasoning had been found by other government agencies to contain genetically modified content, which puts the lives of consumers at risk.
“We want the orders lifted or varied since the product is illegally in the market. The interests of consumers should supersede business interests in matters that affect people’s lives,” said lawyer Jotham Arwa.
Justice Isaac Lenaola, however, declined to lift the orders and directed both the authority and Unilever Kenya Ltd to put in their responses and submissions before the hearing on July 22.
Lawyer Kamau Karori representing Unilever in opposing the application argued that Aromat had been in the market for 13 years and the bid to have it withdrawn from the market on claims it contains GM content was unjustified.
“Allegations that it contains GM content is a matter of fact which will require the court to summon the manufacturers and the government agencies which carried the tests to prove.
“There is no report of any adverse effects to an individual due to use of Aromat,” said Mr Karori.
