JUBA — The Central Equatoria State government on Sunday uncovered large quantities of expired food products allegedly being repackaged for public consumption during an inspection of H Brothers General Trading and Investment Company Limited in Gumbo.
Caretaker Governor Gen. Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani led the inspection on Sunday following reports that the company was repackaging expired goods into new packaging and altering their expiry dates for sale.
The inspection team, accompanied by Juba County Caretaker Commissioner Kalisto Lado, found expired flour, biscuits, cooking oil, sugar, and other essential food items allegedly being repackaged into new sacks, jerry cans, and boxes with altered expiry dates.
Governor Jadalla directed the Juba County authorities to take appropriate legal measures against the company through relevant government institutions, including the South Sudan Bureau of Standards and security agencies.
“The delegation found large quantities of flour, biscuits, cooking oil, sugar, and other essential food items that had expired but were being repacked into new sacks, jerry cans, and boxes with altered expiry dates,” said a statement issued by the office of the governor on Sunday.
Jadalla said those responsible should be held accountable, stressing the state government’s commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that food products sold in markets meet the required safety standards.
“Caretaker Governor Jadalla directed the Caretaker Commissioner of Juba County to ensure legal measures are taken against the company through the relevant government authorities, including the South Sudan Bureau of Standards and relevant security agencies, to ensure those behind the act are held accountable.”
The governor also urged members of the public to report suspicious or expired goods found in shops and markets to the relevant authorities.
“The Caretaker Governor also urged the public to report any suspicious or expired goods found in markets and shops, emphasizing that collective responsibility and coordination between the public and security organs will help trace traders and companies involved in selling expired goods.”
He emphasized that cooperation between citizens and security agencies was essential to identifying traders and companies involved in the sale of expired food products.
“The State Government reiterates that public health remains a top priority and must not be taken lightly, pledging to take legal action against any company found repackaging expired goods,” he said.
“This is in line with the State Government’s commitment to ensuring public and food safety while ensuring all food items in markets meet standards for consumption.”
The state government reiterated that public health and food safety remain priorities, warning that legal action would be taken against companies found repackaging expired goods for human consumption.
The inspection comes amid concerns over the potential health risks posed by expired food products being sold to unsuspecting consumers.
The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) commended Juba County authorities for their swift action following the arrest of eight suspects over the alleged repackaging of expired maize flour for resale in Gumbo, Juba.
In a statement, the Bureau said the suspects were arrested in connection with the alleged repackaging of expired maize flour at H Brothers General Trading and Investment Company Limited.
The SSNBS, which is mandated to promote standardization, quality assurance, and consumer protection, stressed that businesses involved in the production, processing, packaging, distribution, and sale of food products must comply with applicable standards and regulatory requirements.
The Bureau urged traders and food processors to maintain proper stock management systems, regularly check expiry dates, and separate expired products from goods intended for sale.
It also called on businesses to ensure that expired or non-compliant products are handled and disposed of in accordance with applicable requirements.
The SSNBS further urged county authorities, public health institutions, law enforcement agencies, and other regulatory bodies to strengthen cooperation in market surveillance and enforcement activities to prevent unsafe products from reaching consumers.
According to the Bureau, stronger coordination among the relevant institutions is essential to identify unsafe goods, prevent their circulation, and ensure businesses comply with the law.