The caretaker governor of Central Equatoria State, Gen. Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani, has ordered an investigation into Big Brothers General Trading and Investment Company Limited over allegations that expired food products were being repackaged for public consumption in Gumbo, Juba.
On Saturday, October 24, caretaker Juba County Commissioner Kalisto Lado announced the arrest of six individuals from the same company over alleged repackaging of expired food products.
The arrests were followed by an inspection visit on Sunday, October 25, led by Governor Jadalla alongside Commissioner Lado at the company’s premises in Gumbo.
According to a statement from the Central Equatoria State Government, the inspection team found large quantities of expired food products, including flour, biscuits, cooking oil, sugar and other essential commodities, allegedly being repackaged into new sacks, jerrycans and boxes with altered expiry dates.
Jadalla directed the Juba County Commissioner to ensure appropriate legal measures are pursued through relevant government authorities, including the South Sudan Bureau of Standards and security agencies, to establish accountability.
The governor also urged members of the public to report suspected expired goods in markets and shops, saying cooperation between citizens and security agencies would help identify traders and companies involved in the sale of unsafe food products.
The state government reiterated its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that food commodities sold in markets meet the required safety standards.
As of Sunday, the state government’s statement did not provide further details about the six arrests, formal charges or a response from Big Brothers General Trading and Investment Company Limited regarding the allegations.
