South Sudan National Bureau of Standards Destroys Over 60 Tons of Expired and Substandard Goods
By Denilson Denike
In a move to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens, the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) destroyed over 60 tons of expired and substandard goods on Saturday. The goods, which were collected from various markets in Juba, were disposed of in accordance with the SSNBS Act and Regulations.
Hon William Anyuon Kuol, Minister for Trade & Industry, addressed the media and explained that this initiative was a result of last year’s campaign.
“We decided to collaborate and work together to help the people of South Sudan,” he stated.
“Our team worked tirelessly during the Christmas holidays to carry out a survey and check the standards of imported goods in the country.”
The survey revealed that a significant number of food items, goods, and building materials did not meet the required standards. Many of these items were found to be expired, with some having expired as far back as 2020 and 2021.
Kuol expressed his surprise at the actions of traders, retailers, and foreign companies who decided to sell these goods to the people of South Sudan. He also highlighted the issue of rampant smuggling of substandard goods into the country.
Kuorwel kuai Kuorwel, the chairperson of SSNBS, explained that the purpose of the campaign was to remove expired goods, counterfeits, damaged, and substandard goods from the markets. The Market Surveillance Unit of the Quality Assurance Department conducted inspections in various areas of Juba, including Malakia, KonyoKonyo, Custom Market, YEI Road, hotels, and supermarkets.
During the inspections, the SSNBS team collected over 5,000 expired and substandard commercial items. These items included soft drinks, beverages, food items, lubricants, engine oil, and paints, among others. The collected goods were disposed of and destroyed at a designated trash site, with the event witnessed by Dr. Kuorwel kuai and Hon William Anyuon Kuol.
Dr. kuai emphasized that these assorted goods should not be allowed in the market and that their destruction was in accordance with the SSNBS Act and Regulations. He warned the business community that selling expired goods is an offense under the SSNBS Act.
The SSNBS is responsible for the certification, testing, inspection, and market surveillance of products in South Sudan. They aim to ensure that products meet the required standards and provide information related to these standards. Market surveillance inspections are an essential part of their regulatory system.
Gloria Nyoka Joseph Lasu, Acting DG for Technical Operations at SSNBS, stated that the destruction of expired and substandard goods was a regular activity conducted by the bureau. She assured the public that market inspections would continue to ensure the consumption of safe and healthy food. Lasu also announced that similar campaigns would be carried out in other states and administrative areas in the coming months.
