Five suspects were on Sunday arrested for allegedly taking part in manufacturing and distributing fake yoghurt made using suspicious ingredients.
Health officers in Nakuru County seized over 200 litres of the yoghurt manufactured without milk and which has been finding its way into the markets of Nakuru and its environs.
The five, Eusemia Osore, Richards Myron, Luke Ochieng, John Ombongi and Kanuty Osore were apprehended at their manufacturing den in Manyani estate, where the health officers together with the police destroyed the fake yoghurt.
Speaking after busting the illegal trade, Nakuru East Public Health Officer Vanice Kwamboka said that the officers were on a different mission concerning the polio vaccination exercise, when locals tipped them off.
"The ingredients used for making the product include corn flour - a product specially made for thickening soups, sauces and gravies, food colouring and henna - a product used for decorating nails mostly by women and dying hair," the Standard quotes Ms Kwamboka.
Kwamboka added that the product was harmful owing to the chemicals used such as henna - a product used for decoration - that is also mixed with yeast, stabiliser powder, sugar and water besides the corn flour and other additives.
What surprised the officers was that the product bore the Kenya Bureau of Standard quality logo, on 300ml and 500ml bottles.
The yoghurt produced by Optium Dairy Product, is widely consumed in Nakuru especially by travellers, as it is hawked in the town with the 500ml bottle selling at Sh70 compared to rival products retailing at Sh100.
County Public Health Officer Samuel King'ori warned consumers to be keen while purchasing processed foodstuffs sold even in supermarkets, as it was established during last year's December research, that illegal traders had invaded the market to supply sub-standard food.
