NAIROBI – The Nairobi County Council’s Health Board has ordered the immediate closure of all Carrefour, Naibas supermarket outlets in the city following allegations that they sell expired food and employ untested food handlers.
On Wednesday, Health Committee Chairman Maurice Ochien said inspections conducted at the Nivas branch of Moy Avenue revealed expired items on the shelves, poses a serious health risk to consumers.
“We’ve walked to almost every eatery or supermarket. Now we’re at Nivas supermarket on Moi Street and we’ve noticed that expired products are on shelves that put Nairobians at risk for food safety,” Ochieng said.
He further argued that many of the supermarket food handlers had not undergone mandatory health tests, contrary to public health regulations.
Ochieng pointed out that the move would allow handlers to obtain the required certificates.
“We also discovered that most people who handle food have not been tested. So, as a committee, we are determined that we can close all Nivas supermarkets and test them and give them certificates,” he added.
Ochieng has called on Nairobi County Health CEC Suzanne Silantoy to act promptly to protect public health and ensure compliance with food safety standards.
The committee’s order comes amid growing concerns over food safety at major city retailers.
One of Kenya’s largest supermarket chains, Naivas has been active in the country for over 30 years, but has yet to have an official response to the allegations.
