The suspension of 10 cooking oil brands by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) raised doubts on whether the commodities in the market are safe for consumption.
While KEBS allayed any fears over the safety of products, the regulatory body detailed ways through which Kenyans can check whether they are fit for consumption.
In a statement, KEBS unveiled an SMS line through which consumers can ascertain the quality of cooking oil before purchase.
How To Check
One can check whether a cooking oil brand is fit for consumption by sending the codes on the cooking oil containers to 20023 via SMS.
The numbers are usually located below the KEBS standardization mark on the side of containers.
"To check the validity of the quality marks on products sold or purchased, one should send the code (numbers) underneath the Standardization Mark logo to 20023.
"Type message SM# Code or ISM#code, for local and imported products respectively, and SMS to 20023 to get product manufacturing details and permit validity status," read the statement in part.
Upon sending the SMS, one will get details of the products which can certify that it has been approved by KEBS.
The consequent message from KEBS entails product, brand, manufacturer, issue date and the expiry date of the product.
In the event that the details are missing, one is required to report the product to KEBS.
"If the details are different, invalid or not traceable to the platform, retailers should not purchase, stock or offer for sale the products but instead report to KEBS through toll-free number 1545 during official working hours 8.00 a.m to 1.00 p.m and 2.00 p.m to 5.00 p.m from Monday to Friday.
"Always validate the quality marks of the products stocked for sale and any person found offering for sale substandard products contravenes the law and is liable for prosecution, " KEBS stated.
