JUBA — Authorities in South Sudan have blocked more than 20 trucks carrying contaminated maize at the Nimule border, citing serious food safety concerns.
The consignment was intercepted on Wednesday by the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards during routine inspections at the country’s main entry point with Uganda.
A statement issued by the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards on Wednesday said the maize failed to meet national quality standards and was deemed unsafe for human consumption.
“The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) Nimule Station, following routine inspection and verification, has found over 20 consignments of white maize grain to be non-compliant with the South Sudan East African Standards,” it said.
According to the Bureau, laboratory tests and inspection procedures revealed that the shipments did not comply with required safety regulations, prompting authorities to deny entry and order their return.
“The products failed to meet required safety and quality parameters, posing potential risks to public health. In line with its mandate to safeguard consumers, SSNBS has ordered the immediate re-export of the entire consignments to the country of origin.”
It said the move is part of ongoing efforts to protect public health and prevent substandard food products from entering local markets.
“This measure is not intended to undermine or harm legitimate business operations, but rather to ensure compliance with established standards and regulatory procedures,” it said.
The regulator said it had intensified surveillance following repeated cases of contaminated or substandard maize shipments being detected at the crossing.
It warned importers to adhere strictly to established standards and ensure proper certification before transporting goods into the country, noting that failure to comply could result in financial losses and delays.
“SSNBS reiterates its zero-tolerance policy towards substandard imports and exports and urges all traders to comply with national standards and inspection procedures. The Bureau remains committed to protecting public health and ensuring the integrity of goods on the market.”
SSNBS is a regulatory authority established in 2012, responsible for developing, implementing, and enforcing standards, conformity assessment, metrology, and technical regulations.
Its primary objectives include enforcing standards to protect public health, safety, and the environment from substandard products; ensuring fair trade through reliable measurement systems; and promoting exports through certification and value addition.
