Dealers in substandard foodstuffs could face jail time

People selling, importing or distributing unlicensed food stuffs are to face ten years in jail if the new law proposed by the National Drug Authority (NDA) sees the light of day.

The law currently in its draft form emphasises that a person shall not import, manufacture, distribute or sell food unless the food is registered by NDA.

Speaking during the consultative meeting on the draft National Food and Drug Authority Bill at Hotel Africana, the NDA chairman Dr Medard Bitekyerezo said "anybody who imports food must make sure that it has been inspected and meets the requirements of the law".

The aim is to reduce the importation of food stuffs full of aflatoxins which are chemical elements said to be dangerous to both humans and animals.

According to experts the chemicals contaminate the food items mainly while in storage areas which have moist conditions, such conditions favour the growth of moulds usually pink on cassava products, orange on maize and sometimes grey on food items including bread.

Unfortunately, these cannot be destroyed by any amount of heat, and are associated with cancers of the liver.

What will the law do?

"The new law will stop imported food items from coming into the country without being checked. Food items coming into the country will be thoroughly checked, along with scientists on the working group" Bitekyerezo said.

"The health and safety of people is a great asset, we want to ensure the safety of food, medicines, cosmetic products, and chemicals for the public to improve human health hence reducing the disease burden" Health Minister Dr Ruth Aceng said.

Former Vice President Dr Specioza Kazibwe requested NDA to also monitor animal and poultry feeds said to be having growth hormones which stimulate growth hormones among children who consume such products like eggs, chicken, milk, beef among others.