Expired products or political drama? Naivas rejects Nairobi MCAs’ closure push
What started as a routine inspection by MCAs has turned into a full-blown public showdown, with county leaders demanding closure of all Naivas branches in the city.
A fierce blame game is brewing between Nairobi County Assembly members and Naivas Supermarkets over allegations of selling expired food.
What started as a routine inspection by MCAs has turned into a full-blown public showdown, with county leaders demanding closure of all Naivas branches in the city, and the supermarket chain strongly denying the accusations.
"No expired products have been found on our shelves, and we maintain stringent internal quality control and stock management systems across all our branches to ensure product safety and compliance with health regulations," Naivas said in a statement released on Wednesday.
But the Nairobi County Health Committee says otherwise.
During a spot check at Naivas Moi Avenue on Tuesday, the MCAs said they found expired yoghurt, items without expiry labels, and food handlers without proper medical certification.
"We are here at Naivas Moi Avenue, and we have realised that there are expired products on the shelf, putting Nairobians at risk," said the committee, led by MCA Maurice Ochieng.
The lawmakers ordered all Naivas outlets in Nairobi to shut down immediately, claiming the supermarket poses a health risk and needs a full review of its operations.
"Also, we found out that the people handling this product have not been tested. Therefore, as a committee, we resolve to close all the Naivas outlets in Nairobi so that they can be tested and be given certificates so that they are able to serve the Nairobians," the MCAs stated.
The committee had even called on the Health County Executive Committee Member to ensure the closure was effected.
"We will not sit back, and we are urging Suzzane Silantoi (County Health Boss ) to move with speed and make sure that Nairobians are safe with food because most of these facilities have expired products," the committee added.
Naivas, however, says the claims are not only false, but harmful to both the brand and its customers.
"No Naivas branch has been closed by any regulatory or health authority. All our stores remain fully operational and compliant with all national and county-level standards set by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the Ministry of Health, and relevant bodies," the statement said.
The retailer added that it is exploring legal action against those spreading what it called misinformation.
"Naivas has a very strict anti-bribery and corruption policy and will not submit to extortionary tactics," it said.
