KCCA closes 15 food outlets over hygiene

Correction

In our story “KCCA Closes 15 Food Outlets Over Hygiene” (In the paper), we erroneously mentioned Javas Oasis Mall branch as one of the restaurants that had been closed. We have since established that whereas the said restaurant was inspected by KCCA, it is not one of those that were closed. We regret the error and inconvenience caused to Javas and the general public.

-Editor

Shoprite Supermarket in Naalya and Tuskys retail stores in Bwaise were among the 15 shopping outlets that Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) closed over failing to observe minimum health and safety standards.

According to KCCA, the outlets and restaurants have been found wanting despite several warnings barring them from selling “unfit for consumption” food stuff and operating “unhygienic” kitchen sections.
“The problem (selling foodstuff without due regards for standard) has since become widespread, an offence that could tantamount to imprisonment,” Mr Robert Kalumba, the authority’s KCCA supervisor media and communication, said.

“A supermarket that is visited by thousands of Ugandans should not display or sell rotten meat or let the food section have any odour,” Mr Kalumba added.
According to KCCA, several supermarkets employ workers who are not qualified to handle foods stuff.

“The display of the food stuffs is being done wrongly, the handling of the foods is poor and professionalism is lacking as some of the outlets use risky preservative chemicals,” Mr Kalumba said.
“We have written to them asking for a meeting to discuss the standards we want them to embrace. Unless that is done, they will not be opened for business,” Mr Kalumba said.
Consumer activist Shaban Sserunkuma when contacted yesterday, said KCCA should popularise the standards among consumers.

When contacted over the matter, Shoprite and Tuskys officials said communication would be done through their headquarters in South Africa and Kenya.