Naivas Supermarket has refused to close any of its over 30 branches in Nairobi hours after the Nairobi County Assembly’s Health Committee ordered the chain to close all its Nairobi branches over allegations of selling expired food products.
In a statement shared on Wednesday, the retail giant firmly denied a string of claims against the company, terming them as "false, misleading and potentially harmful".
“We would like to reassure our customers, partners, and the general public that no expired products have been found on our shelves,” the statement read.
The retailer also refuted claims that some of its branches had been shut down. The supermarket chain has insisted that its branches in Nairobi will keep their doors open, despite the orders from Nairobi County.
The retailer's statement said, “No Naivas branch has been closed by any regulatory or health authority. All our stores remain fully operational and compliant.”
The response followed explosive allegations by Nairobi County Assembly Health Committee Chairperson Maurice Ochieng, who claimed that a recent inspection at one of the Naivas branches in the Nairobi CBD led to the discovery of expired products.
Ochieng further alleged that many of the food handlers at the supermarket had not been subjected to mandatory medical checks as required by public health regulations.
However, Naivas issued a strong rebuttal, maintaining that no closure had taken place and there was no directive from any health authority that had been formally received in any of their branches.
The supermarket chain insisted that they were committed to maintaining the health and safety guidelines set by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
In a calculated effort to save its reputation, Naivas also hinted at taking legal action against the Nairobi County Assembly Health Committee while suggesting the claims were a ploy to extort the highly successful retailer.
“Naivas is taking legal advice regarding a formal action against the individuals or organisations that are spreading misinformation regarding Naivas,” the statement continued.
Hours before Naivas' statement, Ochieng attempted to back his committee's claims against the supermarket by demonstrating to members of the press present using a can of yoghurt, which he suggested was expired and purchased from Naivas.
He also disclosed that some of the products lacked an indication of a shelf life, warning that this posed an immense health hazard to consumers.
