The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) announced that it has rejected and ordered the re-export of a maize flour consignment found to have contained dangerously high levels of aflatoxin.
The four trucks of maize flour were intercepted during a routine inspection at the Nimule port of entry, a key crossing point on the border with Uganda.
According to a statement from the SSNBS’s social media page, the inspection revealed that the aflatoxin levels in the flour exceeded the national safety standards established to protect public health.
Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain molds that can grow on crops and can pose serious health risks to humans and animals if consumed.
The rejection of the consignment was carried out under the authority granted by the National Bureau of Standards Act and the Weights and Measures Act of 2012.
The SSNBS emphasized that the action was taken to safeguard the health of the South Sudanese population and uphold the country’s quality standards for imported goods.
The trucks have been ordered to be returned to their country of origin.
The SSNBS has not disclosed the country of origin or the specific company responsible for the shipment.
The bureau’s commitment remains to protect consumers from unsafe products and maintain the integrity of the nation’s food supply chain.
This incident highlights the ongoing efforts of the SSNBS to ensure that all food products entering South Sudan meet strict quality and safety regulations.
In June SSNBS re-exported five trucks of grains at Nimule Port of Entry.
Furthermore in May, the SSNBS intercepted and turned back 11 trucks carrying substandard fuel at the Nimuleborder crossing after rigorous quality assessments revealed the fuel failed to meet East African Standards.
Prior to that, in late April, the bureau re-exported 1,800 bags of maize flour that violated East African Standard (EAS) No. 44:2019.
The bureau’s presence at key ports of entry is a critical line of defense against substandard and potentially hazardous products reaching the market.
