This occurs as the nation battles to curb a deadly cholera outbreak that has resulted in at least 177 fatalities nationwide.
The outbreak is said to have been caused by the emergence of unlicensed water sellers and the outsourcing of food from restaurants with dubious sanitary standards. Soon, Kenyans will be able to communicate online if they suspect any instances of subpar food safety standards.
This follows the government’s disclosure that it is creating an online platform that will serve as a source for informing the general public. PS The Ministry of Health’s public health and professional standards Mary Muthoni added that the technology will serve as a nationwide method for monitoring food safety.
Unending foodborne illnesses have been attributed to the consumption of contaminated food. This occurs as the nation fights to control a deadly cholera outbreak that has resulted in at least 177 fatalities nationwide.
The outbreak is thought to have been caused by the emergence of unlicensed water sellers and the outsourcing of food to restaurants with dubious cleanliness standards. Poor sanitation in slums was found to be another contributing factor in an assessment made by the ministry in cooperation with the affected counties.
In order to create and maintain a sensible, seamless coordination structure and to provide for an improved food safety control system, Muthoni stated that Kenya is now examining its food legislation.
Since Kenya gained independence, its national food law has been the Food Drugs and Chemical Substances Act, Cap 254. Kenya contributes to the creation of scientifically based international food standards, recommendations, and codes of conduct, or “Codex Alimentarius.”
This serves as a reference guide for the creation and application of national standards and regulations for food safety. The PS stated that the Kenyan government collaborates extensively with other parties involved in the food value chain.
For instance, the Kenya National Food Fortification Alliance aims to raise the intake of micronutrients in order to promote the health of the nation.
It focuses on nationally consumed items including salt, maize meal, wheat flour, cooking oil, and fats.