The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has seized 700 bags of underweight sugar from V.G. Keshwala and Sons Limited in Soroti district.

Sylvia Kirabo, the UNBS Principal Public Relations Officer, said that the Sylvia Kirabo, the UNBS Principal Public Relations Officer, was a result of the follow-up made by UNBS in response to public complaints about underweight sugar packed in Kakira-branded sacks.

Kirabo said that 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 and owners of the culpable businesses have reported to UNBS for further interrogation, and prosecution will follow on offenses of possession and distribution of underweight pre-packaged goods,” Kirabo said.

It should be noted that packing, selling, being in possession of, or holding for sale underweight pre-packaged goods is an offense punishable by law, as it contravenes the UNBS Act 2013, as amended, the Weights and Measures Act, and the Weights and Measures (Sale and Labeling of Goods) (Amendment) Rules 2020.

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a government agency responsible for developing, promoting, and enforcing national standards in the protection of public health and safety and the environment against harmful and substandard products.