UNBS Cracks Down on Underweight Goods: Seizes Sugar and Bread
The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) seized 700 bags of underweight sugar from V.G Keshwala and Sons Limited in Soroti district following public complaints. The sugar was found packed in tampered Kakira-branded sacks with holes in the packaging. Additionally, underweight bread was seized from Supa Loaf outlets in Mbarara city and Wakiso district, as well as Jonisa Bread in supermarkets. UNBS emphasized that selling underweight pre-packaged goods is illegal under the UNBS Act and related laws, pledging to protect consumers and ensure fair trade.
The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) seized 700 bags of underweight sugar from V.G Keshwala and Sons Limited in Soroti district. This action followed public complaints about underweight sugar packed in Kakira-branded sacks.
During inspections, it was found that the packaging material of the underweight sugar had been tampered with, as the inner polyethylene layer contained holes.
In related operations, UNBS also seized underweight bread from Supa Loaf’s outlet in Mbarara city and Wakiso district, as well as Jonisa Bread in various supermarkets. The management and owners of the implicated businesses have reported to UNBS for further interrogation, and prosecution will follow for offences related to the possession and distribution of underweight pre-packaged goods.
According to UNBS, the packaging, selling, and possession of underweight pre-packaged goods is an offence punishable by law, as it contravenes the UNBS Act (amended 2013), the Weights and Measures Act, and the Weights and Measures (Sale and Labelling of Goods) (Amendment) Rules 2020.
UNBS has urged all manufacturers, importers, and traders of pre-packaged goods to adhere to these laws and rules, which are available on the UNBS website.
UNBS also encouraged consumers to demand safe, certified, quality products and report any dealers of substandard goods to UNBS using their toll-free lines 0800133133/0800233233, WhatsApp line: 0713227580, and social media pages. The UNBS emphasised its commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring fair trade.
