H Brothers Juba: 8 Arrested for Expired Food Repackaging

• Eight individuals were arrested at H Brothers General Trading and Investment Co. Ltd. in Juba County for allegedly repackaging expired food items.
• The company was closed, and the suspects are in custody pending legal proceedings after security personnel discovered expired maize flour and other goods being altered.
• Caretaker Governor Augustino Jadalla Kamilo directed legal action, involving the SSNBS and security agencies, against those responsible for the alleged food fraud.
• The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) commended the action and urged all businesses to comply with food safety standards and regularly check expiry dates.
• Both county and state authorities have prioritized public health and consumer safety, pledging legal action against any company found repackaging expired goods.

The state government reiterated its unwavering commitment to public health, declaring it a top priority that must be taken seriously.

Eight individuals have been apprehended in Juba County, Central Equatoria State, following an operation that uncovered alleged repackaging of expired food products. The arrests took place at the premises of H Brothers General Trading and Investment Co. Ltd. in Gumbo. Security personnel reportedly discovered the suspects actively transferring expired maize flour into fresh sacks, leading to their immediate detention.

Following the incident, H Brothers General Trading and Investment Co. Ltd. was ordered to cease operations, and the eight suspects were taken into custody. They are currently awaiting the commencement of formal legal proceedings. This swift action highlights a significant crackdown on illicit food practices within the region.

Further investigations, conducted during a visit by Caretaker Governor Augustino Jadalla Kamilo and the commissioner on Sunday, revealed a broader scope of the alleged food fraud. Inspectors found not only expired flour but also biscuits, cooking oil, sugar, and various other food items. These goods were reportedly being repackaged into new sacks, jerrycans, and boxes, with their original expiry dates allegedly altered to mislead consumers. This discovery underscores the severity of the H Brothers Juba expired food repackaging operation.

Caretaker County Commissioner Kalisto Lado Faustino issued a stern warning to businesses operating in the area, emphasizing that the sale of expired food products would not be tolerated. He affirmed that public health and consumer safety are paramount concerns for the Juba County administration, signaling heightened scrutiny for food sector clients in South Sudan.

Governor Augustino Jadalla Kamilo, during his visit to the site, reinforced this commitment. He explicitly directed the commissioner to initiate comprehensive legal action against those responsible. This directive involves collaboration with relevant authorities, including the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) and various security agencies, to ensure accountability for the alleged food fraud in South Sudan.

The state government reiterated its unwavering commitment to public health, declaring it a top priority that must be taken seriously. It pledged to pursue legal action against any company found engaging in the repackaging of expired goods, underscoring the potential for severe legal consequences for non-compliant businesses. The governor also called upon residents to actively report any suspicious or expired goods encountered in markets and shops, stressing the critical importance of cooperation between the public and security agencies in upholding food safety standards.

The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) publicly commended the Juba County authorities for their decisive intervention. In a statement released on Sunday, the SSNBS reminded all businesses of their fundamental responsibility to adhere strictly to established food safety standards, reinforcing the importance of SSNBS consumer protection in Juba.

As the national institution tasked with promoting standardization, quality assurance, and consumer protection, the SSNBS underscored that all entities involved in the food supply chain—from production and processing to packaging, distribution, and sale—are obligated to uphold applicable standards and regulatory requirements. This statement serves as a clear signal to businesses about the robust South Sudan food safety enforcement environment.

The bureau specifically urged traders to implement regular checks of expiry dates, ensure the physical separation of expired products from saleable goods, and guarantee that any non-compliant items are handled and disposed of in accordance with all relevant regulations. Furthermore, the SSNBS advised consumers to diligently inspect product labels and expiry dates before making purchases and to report any suspected instances of expired or tampered-with products. The SSNBS concluded by emphasizing that consumer protection is a shared responsibility, advocating for stronger cooperation among authorities, businesses, and the public to prevent unsafe food from reaching consumers.

Lawyers advising food sector clients in South Sudan should alert them to heightened regulatory scrutiny and enforcement risks regarding food safety and expiry dates, as evidenced by recent arrests and company closures in Juba. Compliance officers must ensure robust internal controls for product integrity and supply chain management to avoid severe legal and reputational consequences.

Source: Original reporting via local Juba authorities and regulatory bodies.