Parents have been put on high alert after the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) launched investigations on possible health hazards by a popular kids' chocolate that has sparked global outrage.
KEBS noted that it was investigating Italian candy maker Ferrero, which makes Kinder Joy chocolate - which is mostly consumed by kids, after being recalled from various international markets due to health concerns.
KEBS Managing Director, Bernard Njiriani, noted all products manufactured by Ferrero and sold in the country will be tested for human consumption suitability before the next course of action.
"We shall take samples for the test to ascertain they are okay," Njiriani stated.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, one of KEBS official confirmed the investigations insisting that the agency will issue a detailed statement once the results are obtained.
"Once investigations are done, KEBS will give the way forward regarding the matter," she told Kenyans.co.ke.
In most European markets, Kinder Joy was recalled on precautionary measures following fears of Salmonella outbreak. Salmonella is a bacterial infection that affects the intestinal tract and happens through the consumption of contaminated food and water.
Its signs and symptoms include diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal cramps. In some extreme cases, the infection becomes life-threatening if it spreads past the intestines.
Salmonella is usually associated with poor sanitation.
Responding to health concerns, the Italian candy manufacturer also announced that it has recalled some chocolate products in some European countries.
In the United Kingdom, the outbreak has affected over 63 children mostly below the age of five years. UK Food Safety Agency advised consumers to be cautious when purchasing Kinder Joy products.
"We all know that these particular products are popular with young children, especially as Easter approaches, so we would urge parents and guardians of children to check if any products are already in their home are affected by this recall," UK stated.
This comes just days after the government clarified reports on banning some baby feeding equipment. The Ministry of Health made it clear that it had not outlawed the use of feeding bottles but had advised manufacturers to properly label them.
The Ministry explained that the directives were meant to provide for appropriate marketing and distribution of breast milk substitutes and designated products.
"The Objects of the Regulations is to guide all persons that use, manufacture, sell and market breast milk substitutes and to ensure that all persons understand that breast milk substitutes undermine breastfeeding and suboptimal breastfeeding is a leading but preventable cause of death and serious illness in infants and young children," Andrew Mulwa, acting Director of Medical Services, stated.
