Ten butchery operators have been arrested in Homa Bay County for allegedly wrapping meat using newspapers.
The arrests were made following an operation conducted by the Homa Bay County Health department officers in conjunction with the police.
According to Homa Bay County Executive Member (CEC) for Health Professor Richard Muga, the meat traders were arrested for violating a 14- day notice they were given to stop using newspapers while packaging meat for their customers.
Professor Muga noted that newspapers contain lead, and other heavy metals which are a threat to human health.
“Newspapers are published using ink which contains lead and other heavy metals whose consumption can kill human beings. Let residents understand that the arrest and ban are implemented to ensure their safety. We want to ensure Homa Bay residents consume fresh foods,” Professor Muga was quoted by Standard.
The CEC directed meat traders to package meat in plain papers which are either white or brown in color.
“The plain papers are suitable for packaging meat because they lack the dangerous metals used for making ink,” he said.
He urged other traders in the county to immediately stop using newspapers in wrapping other food stuff.
Foodstuffs such as chapatti, doughnuts (Mandazi) and fish are commonly packaged in newspapers by traders across the country.