The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), the body responsible for enforcing public health and safety standards against dangerous and substandard products has warned against fake curry powder on market.
In conjunction with the Uganda Curry Powder Packers and Spice Producers’ Association (UCPSPA), the umbrella organisation of all manufacturers of curry powder in Uganda, the UNBS says that some of the curry powder on market has a rancid taste or musty smell.
“Curry powder shall be ground to such fineness that all of it passes through a sieve of 300 micron (0.300 mm) and nothing remains on the sieve, be free from dirt, fungal growth and insect infestation,” reads a statement by UNBS.
It further states that curry powder shall also be free from added colouring, flavouring substances and preservatives other than salt.
“Curry powder shall be packed in seal tamper-proof clean and sound tinplate or glass container or paper bags properly lined with water proof paper or moisture proof bags made of a material which does not impart any smell and does not react with the curry powder. Curry powder for retail trade shall be packed in containers of net mass of 100 g, 250 g, 500 g 1 000 g, pre-packed by the manufacturer or licensed packer of curry powder.”
UNBS warns that it is such curry powder that will be seized and destroyed.
“UNBS therefore wishes to inform all importers, manufacturers, traders and the general public that any curry powder that does not meet National Standards shall be seized for destruction and such dealers prosecuted in accordance with UNBS Act.”
