6,350 tonnes of maize might be be safe after all

Maize being delivered to the National Cereals and Produce Board depot in Eldoret. Photo/FILE

The controversy surrounding 6,350 metric tonnes of maize which a government agency said was unfit for human consumption took a new twist on Wednesday as details emerged that it might be declared fit after all.

A source close to the analysis of the grain told Nation that there were indications that once an independent analyst was brought in, the riddle would be finally solved.

Since controversy arose over 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, valued at 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 re-shipped to the country of origin, South Africa.

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 John Mututho said the SGS report had described the maize as clean.

Kebs had earlier said the grain would be sold as animal feed, which has since raised questions over the cancer-causing chemical residues claimed to be contained in the maize.