Uganda warns of rise in substandard sausages

The rise of counterfeit sausages manufactured in garages is a threat to Ugandan consumers and businesses, an industry leader said.

Substandard sausages sold in Uganda reportedly contain Escherichia coli and salmonella. The availability of such sausages poses a risk to consumers, as well as legitimate firms undercut by producers of the substandard fare.

"We invest in proper facilities and certify our products with the best food standards, but we are now suffering from competitors who mix products in their garages without following food safety standards and do not pay taxes," Stephen Duyck, managing director of Fresh Cuts, said.

Duyck spoke out about the rise of substandard sausages while taking representatives of the Uganda Manufacturers Association on a tour of the Fresh Cuts factory, Ugandan newspaper New Vision reports.

The potential damage to Fresh Cuts is similar to that faced by all businesses in all markets. "We may lose a few sales, but the trend will likely damage our brand," Duyck said. The UMA advised Duyck to fight back by raising the profile of the problem in affected areas.