Monday 19 June 2023 South Sudan.
According to local media reports, South Sudan Customs officials at Nimule border point have released the consignments of maize, which were impounded last month over toxicity concerns.
This development comes after discussions between the officials of both countries.
The rejected goods have been returned to Kampala, Uganda, following the decision of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) Executive Director, Dr. Mary Gordon Mortat, to destroy them. The Minister of Foreign Affairs in South Sudan confirmed the release of maize products found to contain aflatoxin, a cancer-causing substance.
As a logistics professional, I am thrilled to witness the effective engagement between the embassy officials of Uganda and South Sudan. Uganda’s Foreign Minister, Henry Okello Oryem, highlighted that their lorries carrying the maize products have been released and have returned to Uganda since Wednesday. This collaboration showcases the importance of diplomatic efforts in resolving trade-related challenges.
While the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards was not immediately available for comment, this incident underscores the significance of adherence to stringent quality standards in the logistics sector. In the past month, officials at the Nimule border point seized approximately 120 tons of food items deemed unsuitable for human consumption.
Laboratory tests conducted by the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards confirmed high levels of aflatoxin in samples from the shipment. However, it is worth noting that the Ugandan Foreign Minister expressed surprise, emphasizing that Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) maintains higher standards than their counterparts.
Addressing environmental concerns, on June 15, 2023, Dr. Mortat stated that the truck drivers would be released, and the poisonous grain would be disposed of in accordance with established procedures and standards to safeguard the environment. This responsible approach highlights the commitment to environmental protection within the logistics and food industries.
This incident also sheds light on the ongoing efforts of Ugandan food scientists, who identified the potential cancer risk associated with locally produced maize, sorghum, and groundnuts earlier this year. It serves as a reminder of the importance of continuous research and innovation in the food supply chain to ensure the highest quality and safety standards.
Let us take this opportunity to learn from this experience and reinforce our commitment to upholding rigorous quality standards in the logistics sector. Together, we can contribute to the safe and efficient movement of goods while prioritizing consumer health and environmental sustainability.
