As floods continue to wreak havoc in various parts of the country, the Ministry of Health has issued a call to action for prioritizing food safety. Principal Secretary for Public Health, Mary Muthoni Muriuki, highlighted the escalating public health risks, particularly the threat of foodborne illnesses, during natural disasters like floods.
The statement emphasized the need for proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with contaminated food and water, which can lead to diseases such as typhoid, dysentery, gastroenteritis, aflatoxin poisoning, brucellosis, and cholera. Of particular concern is the contamination of staple foods like maize flour, cereals, and pulses with aflatoxin, due to factors like improper harvesting and storage practices.
The Ministry of Health is actively engaged in initiatives to protect consumers from unwholesome foods. Food business operators are urged to establish and update food safety management plans, while consumers are advised to use clean water, practice proper hygiene, monitor food during power outages, and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms of foodborne illness.
