Nairobi County has ordered the immediate closure of all Naivas supermarket outlets in the city amid alarming reports of expired food products on store shelves and untested food handlers. The directive, issued by the Nairobi County Health Committee on May 14, underscores the county’s commitment to safeguarding public health and serves as a stark reminder that food safety cannot be taken for granted.
Public Health at Risk
During an inspection at the Naivas Moi Avenue branch, Committee Chairperson Maurice Ochieng did not mince words. He revealed that investigators found Daima yoghurt clearly past its sell-by date and KICC Delight yoghurt lacking any visible shelf-life labeling. Even more troubling was the discovery that many employees in deli and bakery sections had never undergone mandatory health screenings.
“Placing expired yoghurt on shelves is more than an oversight. It is a direct threat to the health of every Nairobi resident who shops at Naivas,” Ochieng said. He made it clear that no branch would reopen until every food handler had been tested and certified by county health officers.
Naivas Denies All Allegations
In a swift response, Naivas released a formal statement calling the accusations false, misleading and harmful to its customers and reputation. The retailer insists that no regulatory body has closed any of its outlets and that each branch continues to operate in full compliance with Kenya Bureau of Standards and Ministry of Health regulations.
“Our rigorous stock management and quality control systems ensure that no expired products reach our customers,” the statement read. Naivas also condemned the situation as a coordinated smear campaign and confirmed it is seeking legal advice to challenge the claims.
Broader Food Safety Concerns in Kenya
This incident at Naivas comes at a time when food safety is under intense scrutiny across Kenya. A recent study conducted by the Kenya Medical Research Institute, World Animal Protection and the Center for Microbiology Research uncovered bacterial contamination in raw pork and poultry sold in several supermarket chains. Some of these bacteria showed resistance to commonly used antibiotics, highlighting critical gaps in oversight.
Experts warn that without stricter enforcement of food safety standards, consumers remain vulnerable to foodborne illnesses that could prove difficult to treat. The joint report called for enhanced surveillance, more frequent inspections and stronger public education on safe food handling practices.
What This Means for Shoppers and the Industry
For everyday shoppers, the closure of Naivas outlets is undeniably disruptive. Many Nairobi residents rely on this supermarket chain for fresh produce, dairy and baked goods. With outlets shuttered, customers will need to turn to alternative retailers or local markets, at least until the health committee lifts the ban.
For the broader retail industry, the Naivas closure is a warning shot. Supermarkets and grocery stores must review their quality control protocols, ensure transparent labeling and confirm that every staff member handling food is medically fit to do so.
Steps to Restore Confidence
Maurice Ochieng has called on County Executive Member for Health, Wellness and Nutrition Suzanne Silantoi to spearhead an urgent action plan. Key elements of the plan should include:
- Comprehensive Health Screening
All supermarket food handlers must undergo medical testing and obtain certification before returning to work - Regular Shelf-Life Audits
Health inspectors will conduct unannounced visits to verify that all products on display are within their sell-by and use-by dates - Mandatory Label Verification
Supermarkets must ensure every perishable item carries a clear shelf-life label that is easy for consumers to read - Consumer Awareness Campaigns
The county will launch public education initiatives to teach shoppers how to spot expired or improperly labeled products - Stronger Penalties for Non-Compliance
Retailers found in breach of food safety regulations will face fines or extended closures
The Road Ahead
Naivas now faces the dual challenge of clearing its name and meeting the stringent requirements set by Nairobi County. Legal battles may follow, but the immediate priority for both the supermarket chain and health authorities must be restoring safe, reliable access to food for Nairobi residents.
In the meantime, consumers can protect themselves by checking expiration dates every time they shop and reporting any suspicious products to the Ministry of Health hotline. Food safety is everyone’s responsibility and this episode is a powerful reminder that vigilance matters.
As Nairobi’s health committee prepares to audit other retail outlets, one message is abundantly clear: in the fight against foodborne illness, no supermarket is above scrutiny and no consumer should settle for anything less than absolute confidence in the safety of what they eat.
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