Contrary to wide spread allegation that a reputable fishing Company SABCO which is the manufacturer of a sea food brand labelled SABCO Sardine was spotted over this past weekend dumping huge consignment of alleged expired Sardines, the Human resource Manager Zainab Tejan Bangura has categorically denied such allegation stating that the company commenced production in February this year and that the Sardine products will last between 4 to 5 years period before expiration.
She explained this during the on the spot inspection of the SABCO facilities at Jui Western Rural District by the Deputy Minister of Trade and industry Fatmata Kargbo, the Executive Director Sierra Leone Standards Bureau Dr John Paul Kaisam , the Director of Consumer Protection Commission Lawrence Bassie and other technical staff on Monday 27th August 2024.
She indeed confirmed that some trucks load of organic waste from SABCO were dumped as usual at Bomeh dumping site in Freetown but were mere organic waste extracted during production process of the finished products.
She explained that since the inception of the company in February this year 2024 by President Julius Maada Bio , it has been a normal practice by her company to inform the Freetown City Council after compiling huge junk of organic waste for disposal.
The production process is well coordinated and sanitized and products are certified for both local and international market consumption.
The Human resource Manager allayed the fears of Consumers stating that their Sardine products are not only affordable but fit for purpose besides, meet national and international standards thereby compete at both local and international markets.
The Deputy Minister and team were taking on a conducted tour of the SABCO facilities to get first hand information on the production process involved in manufacturing the SABCO Sardines and other finish products.
During the tour, the team was shown to the Chill Room where a pile stock of organic waste comprising the fish intestine, Gill, fin ,bones, heads, tails and other unwanted components were kept under a highly refrigerated temperature.
The team was also taken to the production room to see the operational environment and process involved in production.
After inspection of equipment and other production materials the team was left with no option but to appreciate the effort SABCO for generating employment for a large segment of our labour force and above all contributing towards the national revenue of Sierra Leone.
The team was very much impressed with the conducive production atmosphere.
The Deputy Minister of Trade and industry madam Fatmata Kargbo expressed high suspicion of certain dubious business people who can not match up to the Standard and quality of SABCO are ill bent on sabotaging their efforts in translating Government Feed Salone initiative into reality she therefore warned against unhealthy competition in the spirit of national development.
However, the Executive Director of Sierra Leone Standards Bureau Dr John Paul Kaisam advised the management of SABCO to bring on board all the stakeholders including: Office of National Security ONS, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Trade and industry, Consumer Protection Commission, the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau and the media during disposal of waste.
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