A new report by Transparency International notes that some government officials are taking bribes in exchange for giving approvals to adulterated food products.
It is shameful that this practice is allowed to take place and that public officials are involved.
Health and consumer concerns about adulterated food have had a high profile in recent years, so it is scandalous that not more is being done to crack down on officials who collude with corrupt producers and dealers to facilitate improper practices.
This is in marked contrast to the prompt call issued by poultry industry association leaders this week, to urge the shutdown of factories that have been found to be producing toxic feed using tannery waste.
Yet, individuals ranging from Health Department sanitary inspectors to food retailers are reported to be party to a corrupt nexus permitting adulterated food to be produced and sold. Field officers from BSTI responsible for inspecting food factories were among those reported to be taking bribes.
This shameful practice cannot be allowed to continue with such impunity. Not only does it risk public health and shortchange the consumer, but public trust and confidence is undermined by officials whose job it is to uphold basic standards.
Citizens expect the government to show zero tolerance for any practices that allow the market to be contaminated with adulterated food.
These practices must be stopped and corrupt officials weeded out. There is no place in the market for impure food.
