The National Food and Drug Administration (Rwanda FDA) has taken decisive action by suspending the distribution and use of two vinegar products - Discovery White Vinegar, manufactured by Tamu Tamu Heat Spices Ltd, and Hlaal White Vinegar produced by Cheeter Group Ltd.
Both companies were shut down for operating as illegal food processing industries on August 16.
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The FDA invoked a 2013 law that governs the management and control of food and nutrition in the country, specifically citing Article 6, which states that "No person is allowed to produce, prepare, store, give, or store food intended to be sold without a certificate of cleanliness."
This regulation is crucial for ensuring that all food products available in the market meet strict hygiene and safety standards.
Jean Paul Nshimiyimana, the officer in charge of customer satisfaction at Rwanda FDA, explained the reasoning behind the suspension.
"When companies are not registered, it means that the product does not comply with the necessary requirements, nor do they meet the standards needed to produce the products they are manufacturing. So, these companies also do not adhere to quality standards,” he said.
He clarified that the suspension came after public complaints were received, prompting an investigation into whether these products met the required standards.
"Their products were never tested to see what makes up their final products. It is not only about registration, but products are also usually suspended after complaints from the public. When we receive complaints, we verify if the products meet the standards. If they don't, the products are suspended,” Nshimiyimana added.
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In a recent move to protect public health and maintain hygiene, the FDA removed the two food products from the market due to associated risks and the growing presence of non-compliant products in the Rwandan market. Additionally, several commercial companies involved in the production and distribution of these products have been banned from operating.
By enforcing these regulations, the FDA aims to safeguard the public from potential health hazards and ensure that only safe, hygienic food products are available for consumption.