(NIMULE, EASTERN EQUATORIA) – The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) has re-exported seven consignments of maize flour through its Nimule border station after laboratory tests confirmed that the products posed health risks to consumers.
According to the Bureau, five of the consignments were found to contain aflatoxin levels above the permissible limit, while two consignments were contaminated with live insects. Both issues are known to pose serious risks to human health if such food reaches the market.
Officials said the consignments were stopped as part of routine inspections designed to protect the public. By re-exporting the shipments, the Bureau prevented the unsafe products from being distributed inside South Sudan.
Aflatoxins are naturally occurring toxins produced by certain fungi in food crops, particularly maize and groundnuts. Long exposure to high levels of aflatoxins can cause liver damage and other severe health complications. The discovery of live insects in two consignments of flour also indicated poor storage or handling conditions.
The Bureau emphasised that food safety checks at South Sudan’s entry points remain a key part of its operations.
“This decisive action further reinforces our commitment to ensuring that only safe, quality food and non-food products are allowed into or out of the Republic of South Sudan,” an SSNBS representative said.
Food safety continues to be a pressing concern for South Sudan, where imported goods make up a large share of consumer products. Nimule, which borders Uganda, is the busiest land entry point into the country and a critical checkpoint for goods moving into domestic markets.
Below is a summary of the re-exported consignments:
| Type of Violation | Number of Consignments | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Excess aflatoxin levels | 5 | Re-exported |
| Presence of live insects | 2 | Re-exported |
| Total | 7 | Returned to origin |
Food safety experts have urged traders to ensure proper storage and handling of flour and to meet regional and international quality standards. They note that repeated cases of unsafe imports increase risks for consumers and undermine trust in cross-border trade.
The Bureau of Standards has called on importers to comply with quality checks before moving goods into South Sudan. Officials said they would continue to strengthen monitoring at border stations to safeguard public health and support the growth of a reliable consumer market.
