The antiretroviral therapy (ARV) medicine industry is in a state of panic after scientists found disturbing levels of the drug in chicken and pork samples.
A variety of food products on the country’s markets have been accused of harboring harmful compounds due to poor farming techniques and post-harvest processing, reigniting the debate over food safety.
Researchers from Makerere University did not address pigs or pork quality in their most recent study, but those issues have been flagged in past research.
Makerere University conducted examinations on farms and abattoirs in 11 districts between 2019 and 2021, and found detectable levels of ARVs in both chicken and pork.
Authorities in Kampala don’t appear to be paying attention to a growing problem of ARV contamination, as suggested by subsequent investigations.
The only group that seems to care is the Poultry Association of Uganda, headed by Aga Sekalala Junior. This could be because the issue has a direct impact on their farming operations.
Sekalala Junior and his organization contacted academics at Makerere University at the end of last month to inquire about the study’s results.
Beyond Wakiso, where the recent study that has left Ugandans scared and panicked took place, the association also needs a comprehensive study to assess how prevalent the problem is.
The group’s chicken farmers say that the researchers should have included smaller farms that sell at roadside stands in their sample.
Sekalala Junior has also stated that his organization will prioritize the quality and safety of products on the market by conducting checks to come up with credible data on the topic.
He further promised that the group would be used to educate its members on ethical farming techniques.
The group has also said it is eager to collaborate with regulators to make sure all farmers follow quality and safety regulations.
But until then, there’s always the possibility that the chicken on your plate or the pork kikalaayi in your fridge came from chickens or pigs fed ARVS.
This is not the first time the government has done little to nothing to safeguard the people of Uganda from potentially dangerous products. In China, a cancer-causing contraceptive pill was prohibited months ago, and an alleged doctor who claimed to treat HIV/AIDS with an onion-based remedy was detained.
Content created and supplied by: KenyaMutua (via Opera News )