The Uganda National Bureau of standards has urged all kombucha manufacturers to adhere to hygiene standards in addition to the relevant Uganda standards that govern the quality of their products.
During the meeting held with kombucha manufacturers in Mityana and Mubende Districts on 20th April 2022, the UNBS surveillance officer, Ms, Sarah Nantongo Kitaboine cautioned the manufacturers against inadequate hygiene and cross-contamination at their manufacturing premises.
According to Ms. Nantongo, the health of individuals comes first before money-making.
“The health and safety of millions of people are at stake if you do not produce hygienic products. Ensure that your workers are in perfect health, and the factory premises and equipment used in production are regularly clean to avoid contamination of the Final products that are consumed by the public. “Ms. Nantongo said.
The manufacturers were further cautioned against misleading labels and declaration of health claims, illegal additives used and high alcohol content in final products, most especially the nonalcoholic kombucha.
Ms. Nantongo urged the manufacturers to employ professional quality controllers to ensure the standards are met.
This comes after the decision of UNBS’s decision to carry out surveillance inspection at 65 beverage factories in the Eastern, Western, Central, and Northern Regions of Uganda.
Out of this surveillance, non-conforming kombuchas were found at 10 factories and 12 factories were sealed off.
Kombucha manufacturers are certified against four Uganda standards.
It should be noted that the Uganda National Bureau of Standards has kicked off enforcement of the four standards of Uganda manufacturer’s specifications in the country and kombucha manufacturers found in breach of the Uganda standards will face prosecution in courts of law and have their certification permit withdrawn.
Uganda National Bureau of Standards is mandated to ensure consumer protection and fair trade in Uganda
