Authorities in Addis Ababa have successfully destroyed 69 quintals of spoiled pepper valued at over 6 million Birr, which was illegally stored and intended for public consumption in the Kolfe Keranio sub-city.
The Addis Ababa Food and Medicine Administration Bureau’s Kolfe branch office confirmed that laboratory tests conducted on the seized spices revealed dangerously high levels of aflatoxin, a potent toxin known to cause severe health complications, including cancer.
The operation was initiated following a vital tip-off provided by alert members of the local community, highlighting the crucial role of public vigilance in safeguarding urban food security and public health safety standards.
Law enforcement officials have apprehended the primary suspect linked to the illegal storage facility, and formal legal proceedings are currently underway to ensure accountability under the prevailing trade and health regulations.
Regulators have urged consumers to remain highly vigilant when purchasing food commodities, emphasizing the necessity of inspecting product quality, expiration dates, and overall safety certifications before purchase.