Naivas dismisses expired products claims after Nairobi health team calls for closure

Naivas Supermarket Nairobi West branch. [File, Standard]

Naivas Supermarket has dismissed claims that expired products were found on its shelves or that any of its Nairobi outlets have been shut down.

In a statement on Wednesday May 14, the retail chain described the claims as false and harmful, insisting all its branches remain operational and in full compliance with health and safety regulations.

"No expired products have been found on our shelves, and we maintain stringent internal quality control and stock management systems," said the company.

Naivas also said it has not received any closure orders from regulatory or health agencies and accused unnamed individuals of spreading misinformation that it claims is damaging to both its brand and its customers.

"We are taking legal advice regarding formal action against individuals or organisations spreading misinformation," the company added.

The supermarket chain further noted it has a strict anti-corruption policy and would not yield to what it described as extortionary tactics.

The denial follows remarks by Nairobi County Assembly Health Committee Chair Maurice Ochieng, who said the committee had found expired food items at Naivas branches during an inspection.

"We found expired products going through the shelves and untested food handlers, which puts Nairobians at risk," said Ochieng.

He cited examples including Naima and Daylight yoghurt brands allegedly lacking expiry or manufacturing dates.

Ochieng said the committee resolved to call for temporary closure of Naivas stores until health certification was done.

"The most important thing is about food safety and we will not sit back," added Ochieng.

Naivas Supermarket has dismissed claims that expired products were found on its shelves or that any of its Nairobi outlets have been shut down.

In a statement on Wednesday May 14, the retail chain described the claims as false and harmful, insisting all its branches remain operational and in full compliance with health and safety regulations.

"No expired products have been found on our shelves, and we maintain stringent internal quality control and stock management systems," said the company.

Naivas also said it has not received any closure orders from regulatory or health agencies and accused unnamed individuals of spreading misinformation that it claims is damaging to both its brand and its customers.

"We are taking legal advice regarding formal action against individuals or organisations spreading misinformation," the company added.

The supermarket chain further noted it has a strict anti-corruption policy and would not yield to what it described as extortionary tactics.

The denial follows remarks by Nairobi County Assembly Health Committee Chair Maurice Ochieng, who said the committee had found expired food items at Naivas branches during an inspection.

"We found expired products going through the shelves and untested food handlers, which puts Nairobians at risk," said Ochieng.

He cited examples including Naima and Daylight yoghurt brands allegedly lacking expiry or manufacturing dates.

Ochieng said the committee resolved to call for temporary closure of Naivas stores until health certification was done.

"The most important thing is about food safety and we will not sit back," added Ochieng.