Kenyan Butchers Using Toxic Bleaching Chemical as Meat Preservative

Kenyan butchers are reportedly now using harmful chemicals as a preservative, putting thousands of meat consumers at risk of diseases and even death.

The Standard reports that butchers are using sodium metabisulfite, a toxic compound, to preserve meat and make it appear fresher in the eyes of buyers.

The chemical is allegedly first diluted with water and smeared on the meat, which makes it appear more red and fresh even if it overstayed in the butchery for several days.

The paper reports that the chemical is found white powder form and has been branded as ‘dawa ya nyama’ among the butchery operators.

Sodium metabisulfite is widely used as a bleaching agent in manufacturing industries and is locally sold at Sh650 for 500 grams. It is readily available in local agrovets and chemists.

Medics say the chemical is cancerous and also causes allergic reactions, respiratory reactions in asthmatics and anaphylaxis. 

“This is adulteration. The use of chemicals is illegal and the meat is not up to standard,” Dr. Kepha Ombacho, Director of Public Health told the Standard.

This revelation comes at a time when some contraband goods recently seized by government authorities including sugar, cooking oil, ketchup and other products were found to be unfit for consumption.