Juice factory closed over failing standards
According to a statement issued by Mr Godwin Muhwezi, the UNBS head of public relations, the closure followed several reminders and failure to comply with set production standards. FILE PHOTO
What you need to know:
- The factory, Mr Muhwezi will remain closed until when the company has put corrective measures such as guaranteeing that such contamination will never be detected in future.
- Efforts to get a comment from different company officials proved futile by press time.
Kampala. In a move to protect the health of consumers, Uganda National Bureau of Standards halted operation of Sunshare Factory until further notice.
Sunshare Investments is known for production of the Lucky brand of juices including mango, pineapple and orange flavours.
According to a statement issued by Mr Godwin Muhwezi, the UNBS head of public relations, the closure followed several reminders and failure to comply with set production standards. “As a consumer protection measure, UNBS has closed Sunshare Investment in Mukono until further notice for failure to comply with set standards,” the statement reads in part.
The closure followed laboratory analysis on product samples submitted for testing, which indicated high level of free chlorine in finished products contrary to requirements of the Standard (US 47: 2011) for juices and other non-carbonated drinks.
According to the standard, juices and non-carbonated drinks should be free of chlorine because of its adverse effects on human health.
Chlorine reacts with water to form acids which are poisonous to human body once consumed.
Chlorine is an active ingredient used in disinfectants such as JIK to sterilise water and kill bacteria and other micro-organisms.
However, high levels of chlorine results in production of toxic substances that may lead to damage of internal body organs.
The factory, Mr Muhwezi will remain closed until when the company has put corrective measures such as guaranteeing that such contamination will never be detected in future.
Efforts to get a comment from different company officials proved futile by press time.
Raided
UNBS has over the years raided a number of product sales points such as butchers, supermarkets, food hubs and cosmetic sellers, some of which have been closed for failure to meet required standards.
