Gov't Chemist Confirms High Levels of Mercury in Contraband Sugar

Tests by the Government Chemist have reportedly confirmed contraband sugar recently nabbed in different parts of the country is contaminated with heavy metals including mercury.

The Star and People Daily report that a preliminary report from the Government Chemist indicates that sugar samples taken from consignments nabbed in Nairobi and Bungoma had mercury.

The document dated June 9th and signed by SG Njoroge for the Government Chemist said the product was unfit for human consumption.

The report says that light brown sugar held at Moi Airbase in Nairobi had 0.1141 per cent mercury content, while samples of brown sugar from Bungoma had 0.51 per cent traces of the heavy metal.

Three samples of brown sugar held at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) were found to contain mercury content of between 0.182 and 0.201 per cent.

“Some sugar samples from Nairobi and Bungoma tested positive for mercury and hence unfit for human consumption,” read a report of the findings.

The report further shows that 60 per cent of the samples tested for moisture content did not meet the specification of 0.2 per cent maximum moisture content for brown sugar and 0.15 per cent for light brown sugar.

“Sixty per cent of the samples analysed for the moisture content ... is not suitable for human consumption," reads part of the report.

Some of the product confiscated in the city had over 0.7 per cent moisture content, while samples from Kiambu and Nakuru had more than 0.25 per cent moisture. Traces of lead and copper were also detected, but in low levels.

Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) says more than 0.1 per cent of mercury can damage the  nervous system, brain, kidneys, lungs and immune system.