Naivas Supermarket has responded to an order by the Nairobi City County Assembly regarding the closure of all its outlets in the county with immediate effect over the sale of expired products.
Nairobi City County Assembly Health Committee on Wednesday, May 14, said that the supermarket chain has been selling expired products, leaving it with no choice but to order the closure of the popular supermarkets.
However, Naivas Supermarket in a statement clarified that the reports regarding the sale of expired products and the alleged closure of its outlets are false.
The supermarket reassured its customers, partners, and the general public that no expired products have been found on its shelves, adding that stringent internal quality control and stock management systems are maintained across all its branches to ensure product safety and compliance with health regulations.
Also Read: Naivas Supermarket: Mukuha Family & Other Stakeholders Behind the Ownership
Naivas denies closure of supermarkets over alleged sale of expired products
Also, Naivas said that none of its branch has been closed by any regulatory or health authority.
“Naivas Supermarket wishes to correct recent misinformation circulating on social media and other informal channels regarding the alleged sale of expired products and the supposed closure of Nairobi branches by authorities,” read part of the statement.
“All our stores remain fully operational and compliant with all national and county-level standards set by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the Ministry of Health, and relevant bodies. The circulating claims are entirely false, misleading, and potentially harmful, not just to our brand but to our valued customers who rely on us for daily essentials.”
Further, the supermarket said that it is taking legal advice regarding “a formal action against the individuals or organisations that are spreading misinformation regarding Naivas”, adding that it “has a very strict anti-bribery and corruption policy and will not submit to extortionary tactics”.
Also Read: Naivas Supermarket: Mukuha Family & Other Stakeholders Behind the Ownership
Naivas Supermarket operates over 30 branches within Nairobi County, including areas such as Westlands, Kasarani, Kilimani, Lavington, Lang’ata, Buruburu, and several outlets within the Central Business District (CBD).
Allegations
The response by the supermarket comes after the Nairobi City County Assembly Health Committee led by Member of County Assembly (MCA) Maurice Ochieng alleged that the retailer has been selling products that have expired.
The County Assembly legislators further alleged that a spot check of one of Naivas supermarket found expired yoghurt on the shelves and also found some products without expiry dates.
Furthermore, the supermarket chain was accused of using staff who are not certified.
“Also, we found out that the people handling this product have not been tested. Therefore, as a committee, we resolve to close all the Naivas outlets in Nairobi so that they can be tested and be given certificates so that they are able to serve the Nairobians,” said one County legislator.
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