PRESS RELEASE

ACA Seizes Thousands of Cartons of Counterfeit Food Preservatives in Mombasa Ahead of Festive Season

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has seized 7,500 cartons of counterfeit food preservatives, each containing 20 pieces, from a warehouse in Shimanzi, Mombasa, in an intelligence-led operation aimed at protecting consumers during the festive season when food production and consumption significantly increase. The seized goods are worth millions of Kenyan shillings.

The operation uncovered bulk food preservatives that had been transshipped into the country and later repackaged locally under unsafe and unregulated conditions,

before being falsely presented as genuine PASHA yeast, a locally registered trademark. One suspect was arrested at the premises and is currently undergoing questioning as investigations continue to trace the wider supply network.

Speaking on the operation, ACA Coast Regional Manager Mr. Ibrahim Daar Bulle said the counterfeit preservatives posed a serious public health risk, particularly during the holiday period when bakeries, food vendors, and households increase food production.

“These products were repackaged in environments that do not meet food safety requirements and lacked mandatory regulatory approvals. Such practices expose consumers to unsafe food and undermine legitimate manufacturers,” said Mr. Bulle.

Preliminary inspections revealed that the counterfeit preservatives lacked mandatory KEBS stickers, traceability features, and were repackaged outside approved food-grade facilities, in violation of national food safety and intellectual property regulations.

Commenting on the seizure, ACA Executive Director Dr. Robi M. King’a said the Authority had intensified surveillance to prevent unsafe food products from entering the market during the festive season.

“Food safety is a critical public health concern, especially during periods of high consumption. Counterfeit food ingredients pose real risks to consumers, and ACA will continue to act decisively to protect Kenyans and legitimate businesses,” said Dr. King’a.

The seizure forms part of ACA’s Festive Season Anti-Counterfeit Enforcement Plan, which prioritizes high-risk products including food ingredients, alcoholic beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and fast-moving consumer goods.

ACA has heightened surveillance across ports of entry, warehouses, and distribution hubs, urging traders to source products only from licensed suppliers and consumers to report any suspicious food products.