The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) on Tuesday, February 6, dismissed a viral post suggesting that it had banned a printing ink used by two media houses on their newspapers.
Taking to its Twitter account, KEBS flagged the viral post as false.
The flagged post depicted that the regulatory body had prohibited the use of petroleum-based printing ink because it was cancerous and thus posed a huge health risk for newspaper consumers.
"Public Notice on newspaper petroleum-based printing ink linked to cases of cancer. This Notice is fake and has not originated from KEBS. Please take note!" KEBS stated.
KEBS was forced to clarify after several Kenyans questioned the credibility of the post with some demanding to know why such information was not conveyed on time.
The viral post claimed that the regulatory agency had begun a probe into the two media houses fond of using the "cancerous" ink in their dailies.
"We wish to inform the public that under an agency-mandated investigation, the following national media houses have failed to meet the minimum required threshold for the use of commercial petroleum-based printing ink in their national newspapers," claimed the aforementioned post.
"These petroleum-based inks are known to be toxic and not to be safe due to high amounts of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)," the now contested post further suggested.
According to the fabricated notice, it suggested that KEBS had issued a 45-day ultimatum for the two media houses to comply.
The fake notice also warned Kenyans against wrapping foodstuffs or even using newspaper pieces as alternative toilet tissue.
"Special attention is given to Mama Mbogas, butcheries and those who live in Informal Settlements. Studies have linked this Carbon Black Petroleum-based Ink to cancer and other skin disorders," it read, in part.
"KEBS is working with all government institutions to resolve the issue of compliance. In this regard, KEBS will continue to work with the Ministry of Health (Office of the Director of Public Health)." the flagged post went on to state.
