The Cereal Millers Association has bashed Kebs for blacklisting 27 flour brands without following the due process.
Kenya Bureau of Standards blacklisted 27 maize and porridge flour brands after they failed to meet quality standards on Saturday.
Kebs said out of the 27, 12 are Maize brands while 15 are porridge brands.
But CMA in a statement on Sunday, said Kebs should have followed due process, by first reaching out to the affected millers to verify, validate results for each specific batch and resolve matters expeditiously prior to going public.
“This would have been the most effective way of dealing with the matter, ensuring that it doesn’t happen again and making sure proper recall procedures for specific batches rather than in its entirety,” CMA said.
“It is unfortunate that some of our millers who appeared in the press release have still not been informed about why they were ‘non-compliant.”
The association said it was unfortunate that the lack of due procedure resulted in the loss of business to millers, lower consumer confidence and reputational damage to both millers and their brands.
“We remain committed to providing safe food to our consumers and are open to further consultations that will benefit all the stakeholders,” the association said.
The maize brands blacklisted included; Budget, Equatorial Ugali Afya, Fahali , Family and Pembe flour.
Others are; Riri, Sima Tamu, Tupike, Ugali Bora, Unga Sawa, Uwezo and Ziwa.
Blacklisted porridge brands include; Soko Wimbi Mix, Winnies Pure Health-Ugali Afya, Greenhouse Pride Polished Wimbi with Milk Powder, Golden Porridge Flour Sour Uji Mix, Najah Nutrition Food Family Porridge, Natasha Porridge, Excellent Nutritious Porridge.
Others are; Split Peas Flour Unga Wa Bhajia, Generation Wimbi Porridge Flour, Famila Natures Food The Original Ujimix (sour porridge), Rest Food Products Afya Bora Kinara Porridge, Narisha Plus, Rimwambi Soya Porridge Mix and Wimbi Safi Marss.
Kebs said the brands have not complied with the requirements and therefore should not be sold to the public until further notice.
In February, the Kenya Bureau of Standards seized Riri maize flour which was in the market despite not having certification marks.
The flour was seized in Makuyu, Gatundu, and Ruiru.
The agency said that the flour did not have certification marks, and has called upon Kenyans to be vigilant. BY THE STAR