NTV’s investigative journalist Dennis Okari was trending for the better part of Monday after his expose about how supermarkets using toxic chemicals to make their meat look fresher for longer.
The expose was highlighted in news documentary titled ‘Red Alert’ which was aired on Sunday and has since gone viral on social media. The expose has raised questions regarding quality and safety control measures within the country’s food chain
Okari highlighted how supermarkets are using Sodium Metabisulfite chemical as a preservative on fresh meat.
A supermarket attendant, who sought anonymity, says that the meat is laced with these dangerous chemicals to make it appear fresh longer and to minimize losses from his employer.
He told Okari that they are trained on how to go through the process where he emphasized on wearing gloves when mixing meat with the chemical.
“The chemical can be corrosive to the skin and irritating to the eye so we have to cover ourselves,’ he said. Adding, The meat shouldn’t get spoiled in the supermarket. We try to minimize losses by putting the chemical on minced meat and diced beef”.
The NTV exposé has a source who revealed that meat sold in supermarkets is often lased with Sodium Metabisulphite and the labels changed to reflect new expiry dates,
“In the morning we have what we call ‘production time.’ This is when we take the meat that has stayed overnight at the display and we repackage it. After using the chemical the meat can look fresh for three to five days,” said the source.
The source further explained that they repackage meat with labels changed to reflect new expiration dates every morning before the supermarket is opened for customers.
“In the morning we have what we call ‘production time.’ This is when we take the meat that has stayed overnight at the display and we repackage”.
The chemicals are purchased at certain shops in industrial at specific times by people well known to the suppliers.
The exposé saw Kenyans express their outrage under the hashtag #RedAlert. Kenyans want the government to invest in effective control measure systems in the meat industry.
This expose on #REDALERT is pointer to the serious need for enhanced public health surveillance along the meat value chains. Consumers are at high risk of contracting illnesses associated with toxic food preservatives @ntvkenya @NTVnewsroom @denisokari
— maurice omondi G (@omondi_ogm) July 14, 2019
“The meat shouldn’t get spoiled in the supermarket. We try to minimize losses by putting the chemical on minced meat and diced beef.” Supermarket source#RedAlert @DennisOkari pic.twitter.com/KPRMalVUfk
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) July 14, 2019
A section of Kenyans have gone forth to question the credibility of the story arguing that Okari failed to capture relevant bodies such as KEBS and Ministry of Health. Others went on challenging the reporter to get into further details rather than a simple process of the meat preservation.
One Elly Akoko wrote;
“This #RedAlert exposé by @denisokari is way too shallow. It lacked critical questions to the relevant bodies like KEBS, MoH (Dept of public health), Food scientists, etc. Overhyped, sensationalized and alarmist!”
This #RedAlert exposé by @denisokari is way too shallow. It lacked critical questions to the relevant bodies like KEBS, MoH (Dept of public health), Food scientists, etc. Over hyped, sensationalized and alarmist!@ntvkenya
— elly akoko (@AkokoElly) July 14, 2019
The Denis Okari #RedAlert was shallow, missed key scores:
1) He failed to talk to Food Processors, he would have know that Sodium Benzoates, Nitrites & Sulphites are a safe food preservatives.
2) Soda, which the whole world consumes has preservative. Safe.@ntvkenya— SIR MANCINI MANCINI (@1ManciniMancini) July 14, 2019
I see. So do you have a problem with canned meat too? Or as long as it is branded canned meat it is sanctified?
I still dont see your point though.My point however is that, the Denis Okari #RedAlert story is alarmist.
Reason with me here.
— SIR MANCINI MANCINI (@1ManciniMancini) July 14, 2019
The piece which has since taken the social media by a storm has as well left netizens questioning the country’s integrity levels where money has been given an upper hand to human’s life and health.With others going to an extend 0f quoting bible verses, found themselves cursing those involved.
Kenyans are becoming so greedy to an extend they are killing there own people ,,I wonder if 20 years to come this nation will have the ability to sustain human life',,,,so pathetic,,,
— @braanwilliams01 (@braanwilliams01) July 14, 2019
#RedAlert For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Mar 8: 36 (NKJV) if that chemical is corrosive to the hands, what about the internal organs?? #NTVInvestigates @denisokari
— lidoro jr. (@lidoro_edwin) July 14, 2019
@ntvkenya @denisokari @Oborrow supermarkets are making profit at the expense of our health…let's expose those supermarkets practicing this evil ..the story is nice but if we cant hold people responsible then the malice will continue to be practiced #REDALERT
— @winsOdhiambo (@winskenya) July 14, 2019
While the majority went on congratulating Okari for the piece,a section of netizens went on to announce themselves as full-time vegetarians henceforth vowing never again to touch meat from the supermarkets.
@denisokari that was both noble and heroic….our society needs people like you to deliver us from these tyrants…..Viva https://t.co/eCgk8tAqOS
— JaymoEmpire (@EmpireJaymo) July 15, 2019
#RedAlert @OBurrows @denisokari as much as you have alerted us…. My thinking is you have opened a window for other crooks to start using this chemicals….esp in Nairobi 😔😔😔
— Wangeci (@sylviakibisu) July 14, 2019
I see. So do you have a problem with canned meat too? Or as long as it is branded canned meat it is sanctified?
I still dont see your point though.My point however is that, the Denis Okari #RedAlert story is alarmist.
Reason with me here.
— SIR MANCINI MANCINI (@1ManciniMancini) July 14, 2019
@denisokari @ntvkenya thanks for highlighting this issue, now we know where to start, it won't be business as usual. We have to stand up for a healthy nation free from cancer. Si ata afadhali ile nyama ya pale Burma ya zebra sasa 🤔
— Chali Wa Nairobi🇰 (@DuncanKuria5) July 14, 2019