The Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS) has again swang into action and closed down two more milk processing firms for flouting standards. Philip Nzaire, the RBS director for quality assurance, said Masaka Milk Processing plant and East African Beverages in Kicukiro District were closed down for producing contaminated yoghurt and cheese. Last month, RBS closed down two milk processing factories after it discovered that some of their yoghurt brands were contaminated with dangerous bacteria. Earlier, two firms were barred from production after they were found making substandard juices and wines. Nzaire called on milk processors and other businesses to uphold standards or risk closure for endangering human life. “It’s our responsibility to protect consumers and also ensure that all products on the market meet standards. This is both to save lives and protect the economy from being hurt by the negative effects of fake products,” Nzaire said. Chantal Natukunda, the Rwanda Bureau of Standards communications and marketing manager, said the owners of the affected plants were co-operating with the RBS team that is helping them improve their production processes. Some of the affected processors, however, said it was unfair for RBS to close down their businesses. “It’s not fair; they should have advised us on what to do if they found problems with our products instead of forcing them off shelves. We are losing a lot of money and, yet we have to pay taxes, workers and operational costs?” one of the affected milk processors said. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, the standards body boss, challenged producers to understand that such an action is to help them become better. “There are many business opportunities for those who make quality products,” Bagabe noted. Some of the milk consumers interviewed by this newspaper said many of the milk products on the market are not fit for consumption. “I once consumed yogurt from one of the firms that has been closed and developed stomach pain. I am happy RBS has finally come to our rescue,” James, a yoghurt lover, said. RBS will tomorrow meet all sector stakeholders to discuss standard compliancy, among others.
