Kakamega establishes food testing laboratory

Kakamega,

Thursday, September 21, 2023

KNA by Teresia Atieno/Clarence Shem

Kakamega County has completed the establishment of a laboratory to test food samples to ensure the safety of consumers.

This was revealed during a public participation forum for the 2023 Finance Bill that was held at Kakamega Social Hall on Wednesday.

The county government has been transporting food samples for testing in Nairobi but going forward, tests for aflatoxin, fumonisins and moisture content will done at the laboratory in Kakamega.

Fumonisins are poisonous substances found in cereals including maize, sorghum while aflatoxins are toxins produced by fungi in maize. 

In the Food lab services, the County government will charge a flat fee of Sh1000 each test for aflatoxin, fumonisin and for grading of food samples.

The establishment of the laboratory follows cases of food poisoning and outbreak of stomach illnesses that led to temporary closure of Mukumu Girls High School.

Courtesy; KNA