Nairobi: The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has addressed concerns regarding the sale of sugar-free soft drinks allegedly containing undisclosed sulphur-based sweeteners, such as Acesulfame-K, without appropriate consumer warnings, as reported by Y News.
This clarification follows claims made by the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK), which raised questions about the presence of additives in certain sugar-free beverages that may not be safe for human consumption. COFEK criticized the “tiny, unreadable” ingredient lists that lack allergy warnings, contrasting this with more transparent labelling seen in products like wine.
In response, KEBS stated that these allegations are misleading and fail to acknowledge established international safety standards. According to Kenyan regulations, manufacturers are required to disclose sulphur-containing ingredients only if their concentrations exceed 10 mg/kg, a threshold set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) joint expert committee. KEBS asserted, “It is not true that there are ingredients being sneaked into products,” explaining that this threshold serves to protect consumers sensitive to sulphur compounds, including those at risk of allergic reactions.
Furthermore, the regulator highlighted that all food additives in soft drinks must undergo a rigorous approval process before being permitted for sale. Manufacturers are also obliged to list every ingredient on product labels, and compliance is continuously monitored through inspections, lab testing, and enforcement actions in cases of violations.
This clarification comes at a time of increased scrutiny within Kenya’s soft drinks industry, particularly towards sugar-free and low-sugar options, as policymakers assess measures to address obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases. Last year, Nandi Hills MP Bernard Kitur proposed a Health Promotion Levy on sugary beverages to encourage reformulation and support public health initiatives.
KEBS urged consumers to trust verified regulatory guidelines and official standards, warning that misinformation could damage public confidence in food safety regulations.
Key Takeaways
- KEBS has dismissed claims about undisclosed sulphur-based sweeteners in sugar-free soft drinks.
- COFEK raised concerns over unreadable ingredient lists lacking allergy warnings.
- Ingredient disclosure laws in Kenya only require sulphur compounds to be declared above 10 mg/kg.
- All food additives undergo a thorough approval process before entering the market.
- Public health initiatives are being considered to combat obesity and other health issues.
- Trust in verified regulatory guidance is essential for consumer confidence in food safety.
FAQ
What is KEBS?
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is the regulatory body responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of products sold in Kenya.
Why are some ingredients not listed on labels?
Ingredients are only required to be disclosed if their concentrations exceed specified thresholds, such as the 10 mg/kg limit for sulphur-containing substances.
What actions is Kenya taking to address health issues related to soft drinks?
Policymakers are exploring initiatives like the Health Promotion Levy on sugary drinks to promote reformulation and fund related health programs.
How does KEBS monitor compliance?
KEBS conducts regular inspections, laboratory tests, and has enforcement mechanisms in place to ensure adherence to food safety regulations.
In summary, the recent clarification from KEBS emphasizes the importance of accurate labeling and adherence to safety standards in the beverage industry. Consumers are encouraged to rely on credible sources for their information to make informed choices.
