Dairy board intensifies crackdown on adulterated milk

The Kenya Dairy Board has intensified its crackdown  on contaminated milk in Eldoret following revelation that 30 per cent of the milk sold in the town is not safe.

KDB officials conducted impromptu milk testing from vendors around Eldoret town on Wednesday where more than 400 litres were held.

The move follows concerns over continued sale of adulterated raw milk mixed with unclean water in the town.

KDB inspector Kituto Kitele said they arrested 15 milk vendors during the operation and the culprits will be arraigned in Court.

"We have embarked on a three day exercise where we shall be keen on ensuring that only quality milk reaches the consumers," he said.

He said they recently met with the vendors and agreed that they should observe the board regulations but some of the traders are yet to comply.

"It is apparent that a number of them are yet to comply prompting our enforcement," he added

Kitele cautioned farmers against selling milk that has stayed for more than a day and that from cows suffering from mastitis as it endangers the lives of consumers through milk borne diseases.

According to the Board the main contributing factor that affects milk hygiene is transportation using plastic containers instead of stainless steel and aluminum.

The official noted that they are currently in talks with the container manufacturers so that they can avail them by to vendors through subsidy.

"We are going on with plans to ensure that they can borrow loans and access equipment besides pooling their resources together as a group," he noted.

KDB region branch manager board Samson Limo said milk dealers should ensure that they pasteurize their product before selling it to the consumer.

"We want to go through the processes such as ensuring that if it is yogurts it should be as per the required standard," he said.