Food vendors in Thika have been asked to observe proper hygiene when preparing their food to avert cases of customers contracting diseases.
Speaking on Friday during a routine inspection at Biafra estate, Thika Town Public Health Officer Dennis Gathogo, said many vendors do not observe the best hygiene standards when cooking their food.
"Some of the vendors think that we are only interested in eateries but that is not the case. As long as you are dealing with anything that touches on public health, you are subjected to our rules and regulations,” said Gathogo.
Ann Nduta, a resident, said some food vendors who cook cereals like beans and 'githeri' are fond of adding caustic soda to speed up the cooking process, which she said affects them negatively.
Gathogo warned food vendors against the practice, terming it as unacceptable.
"Customers must be made aware of all additives and ingredients of the food they are about to buy, and be allowed to make their own choices. Adding some substances for economic gains or otherwise is wrong and unacceptable,” said Gathogo.