Health Ministry issues food safety advisory ahead of expected El Niño rains

The Ministry of Health has warned residents and businesses to take proactive measures to prevent food and water-borne illnesses as El Niño rains are anticipated. In a directive to news outlets on Monday, the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, cautioned that heavy rains, flooding and high humidity during the rainy season could heighten the risk of diseases like cholera, typhoid and aflatoxin poisoning.

Muthoni pointed out that floodwater may taint shallow wells, boreholes and piped water, especially in low-lying regions. She reiterated that past El Niño seasons have demonstrated a significant surge in food-borne illnesses during heavy rains, flooding and high humidity. Muthoni urged households, food vendors and estates to begin preparations before the onset of the rains, emphasizing that prevention is preferable to treatment.

High humidity could also hasten mold growth on maize, peanuts and animal feeds, raising the possibility of aflatoxin contamination. Power outages expected during the rains could further compromise cold-chain storage, leading to spoilage of perishable items like milk, meat and leftovers stored in refrigerators and freezers. Muthoni recommended households stock water guards and chlorine tablets, clean and cover water storage tanks and jerry cans, and maintain a separate covered container for drinking water.

She advised residents to ensure that maize flour, grains, groundnuts and beans remain entirely dry and be stored in airtight containers. Old cereal stocks should be sun-dried before the rains start. The Ministry also advised food businesses and mama mbogas to keep food off the ground, cover it, improve drainage around their stalls and have food handlers' medical certificates ready for increased county inspections.

Food businesses and mama mbogas were advised to raise food off the ground, cover it, plan for proper drainage around their stalls and have food handlers' medical certificates ready for increased county inspections. Community Health Promoters and Nyumba Kumi representatives were urged to organize drainage clean-ups, unclog trenches and educate communities on boiling water before the rains begin.

Muthoni stressed the importance of early preparation to safeguard communities from food and water-related health risks during the rainy season, reminding everyone that "Food Safety is Everyone's business."