A Kenyan shopper has raised concerns about food hygiene after claiming he discovered a plaster inside beef purchased from Naivas Supermarket in Utawala, Nairobi.
The customer reportedly bought beef ossobuco from the supermarket and noticed the foreign object while preparing the meat for cooking. A video circulating on social media shows the meat inside its original packaging, with a Naivas price label visible. The object, which appears to be an Elastoplast, can be seen lodged between the meat and a layer of fat.
The customer expressed disappointment over the discovery, questioning the hygiene standards followed by workers handling fresh meat. He said the incident was particularly concerning because of his family’s preference for medium rare meat, which may not be cooked thoroughly enough to eliminate every potential contaminant.
The video later attracted attention after Buzzroom Kenya shared it on Instagram. Several social media users reacted with concern, with some calling for stricter food safety inspections in supermarkets. Others urged Naivas to investigate the complaint and explain how such an object could have ended up inside packaged meat.
The incident has also raised questions about the procedures used to handle, package and inspect meat before it reaches customers. Shoppers rely on supermarkets to maintain proper hygiene throughout the process and ensure that food sold to the public is safe for consumption.
By the time of publishing, Naivas Supermarket had not issued an official statement addressing the specific allegation involving its Utawala branch.
If confirmed, the discovery could raise serious food safety concerns. A plaster that has come into contact with a person’s skin may carry contaminants, particularly if it has been used. Its presence in meat intended for consumption would therefore require proper investigation and an appropriate response from the retailer.
The customer said he shared the incident to alert other shoppers and encourage accountability. His complaint has since contributed to wider conversations about the responsibility supermarkets have to protect consumers and maintain confidence in their products.
The case also highlights the importance of effective quality control measures, proper protective clothing for food handlers and prompt action whenever customers report possible contamination.
Consumers who discover foreign objects in packaged food are advised not to consume the affected product. They should preserve the packaging and receipt where possible, document the problem and report it to the supermarket’s management or the relevant public health authorities.
Although the allegation has not been independently confirmed by authorities, the online reaction reflects the importance Kenyans place on food safety and the trust they expect major retailers to uphold.