The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has seized 700 bags of underweight sugar from V.G Keshwala and Sons Limited in Soroti district. This, was as a result of the follow up made by UNBS, in response to public complaints on underweight sugar packed in Kakira branded sacks. During the inspections, it was discovered that the packaging material of the underweight sugar was tampered with, as the inner polyethylene layer was found with holes.
In related operations, UNBS has seized underweight bread from Supa Loaf’s outlet in Mbarara city and Wakiso district, as well as Jonisa bread in various supermarkets.
Management/owners of the culpable businesses have reported to UNBS for further interrogation and prosecution will follow on offences of possession and distribution of underweight pre-packaged goods.
It should be noted that packing, selling, being in possession of or holding for sale underweight pre-packaged goods, is an offence punishable by law, as it contravenes the UNBS Act as amended 2013, the Weights and Measures Act and the Weights and Measures (Sale and labelling of goods) (Amendment) Rules 2020.
UNBS thus urges all manufacturers, importers and traders of pre-packaged goods to adhere to the cited Laws and Rules, available on the UNBS website via https://unbs.go.ug
UNBS also encourages consumers to demand for safe, certified, quality products and report any dealers of substandard goods to UNBS using our toll free lines 0800133133/0800233233, WhatsApp line: 0713227580 and social media pages.
UNBS is committed to performing its mandate of consumer protection and ensuring fair trade.