The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has seized 700 bags of underweight sugar from V.G. Keshwala and Sons Limited in Soroti district.
The development was confirmed in a statement by UNBS on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.
According to the statement, it was discovered that during inspections, the underweight sugar’s packaging had been tampered with since holes had been observed in the inner polyethylene layer.
“During the inspections, it was discovered that the packaging material of the underweight sugar was tampered with, as the inner polyethylene layer was found with holes,” read part of the statement.
UNBS also seized underweight bread from Supa Loaf’s outlets in Mbarara City and Wakiso district, as well as Jonisa bread in various supermarkets.
According to the authorities, the owners and management of the guilty companies have reported to UNBS for additional questioning, and charges for possession and distribution of underweight pre-packaged goods will be brought against them.
The statement noted that underweight pre-packaged goods are illegal to pack, sell, possess, or hold for sale because they violate the Weights and Measures Act, the UNBS Act as amended in 2013, and the Weights and Measures (Sale and Labelling of Goods) (Amendment) Rules 2020.
UNBS has urged all manufacturers, importers, and traders of pre-packaged goods to adhere to the cited laws and rules, available on the UNBS website.
UNBS further encouraged consumers to demand safe, certified, quality products and report any dealers of substandard goods to UNBS.