The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has published draft amendment KS 2263:2016/Amd 1:2026, proposing new heavy metal limits for bay leaves to strengthen consumer protection and align with international food safety requirements. The amendment updates the existing KS 2263:2016 Bay Leaf Specification by introducing specific maximum limits for heavy metal contaminants in bay leaves intended for sale and consumption. Proposed limits: 1.Lead (Pb): Maximum 2.5 mg/kg (Test method: KS ISO 6633) 2.Arsenic (As): Maximum 1.0 mg/kg (Test method: KS ISO 6634) According to KEBS, the proposed limits are intended to support food safety objectives and maintain alignment with internationally recognized contaminant standards, including Codex Stan 193 (General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food and Feed). The draft amendment was developed by the Spices, Condiments and Culinary Herbs Technical Committee and is currently open for stakeholder review and public consultation before final adoption.
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