Mombasa meat safe, declares county government

Mombasa County Government has ruled out the presence of harmful chemicals in the meat sold in major outlets.

Results released yesterday showed that the beef and mutton sold in supermarkets was safe for human consumption.

The results follow the collection of samples from supermarkets and hotels almost two weeks ago to test for dangerous chemicals used as preservatives for red meat.

The National Public Health Laboratory in Nairobi carried out the tests.

Reports signed by a public health analyst Silala Ngala declared that samples from Mombasa did not contain Sodium Metabisulfite (SO2).

“I Silala Ngala, a Public Analyst appointed under the provision of the Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Act (Cap. 254), hereby certify that the seal on the sample of beef meat received by me on July 23 was unbroken,” he said in one of the reports. “And I am of the opinion that the sample does not contain sodium metabisulfite,” he added.

Mombasa public health chief officer Aisha Abubakar led the collection of samples from outlets.

The officials visited Nyali Naivas, Chandarana Foodplus, Tuskys and Budget supermarket in the daylong inspection.

She however said the county government will not collect meat samples from butcheries saying they buy fresh meat which they sell out.