Joyland Company Ltd, a company based in Nyarugenge District and known for its popular Salama Juice brand, has been ordered to halt operations after law enforcement and regulatory authorities found it in violation of quality standards. ALSO READ: 67 arrested over substandard goods, six factories closed This was part of five-day crackdown by Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Rwanda National Police (RNP), Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the City of Kigali, has led to the seizure Rwf106 million worth of substandard products found across the country from October 13 to 17. Seized products include more than 19,000 litres of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, 70 kilograms of marijuana, meat valued at Rwf36 million, traditional medicines, and banned cosmetics. On Monday, law enforcement paraded 72 individuals apprehended during the operation and said four factories and eight pharmacies had been closed due to breaches. Salama Juice, a widely distributed beverage available in various sizes and flavors, including mango, pineapple, apple, and strawberry, was among the products seized due to poor hygiene at the factory and unsafe working conditions, Police Spokesperson CP Boniface Rutikanga told reporters on Monday. The juice brand has been recalled from the market and retailers asked to discard their stocks as the products pose a health risk to consumers, according to Rwanda FDA. During the inspection at Joyland Company, officials said they discovered that while the factory’s front operations appeared compliant, with clean premises and functioning machinery, the rear premises previously unknown to regulators were found to be unsuitable for juice production. ALSO READ: Usalama operation ends on a good note A video screened at the news conference on Monday shows disturbing conditions inside the concealed facility, cramped rooms used both as sleeping quarters and production areas, and containers filled with fermented substances. Waste from the facility was found leaking into the surrounding environment, scorching vegetation and raising concerns about both public health and environmental safety, the officials said. “If these materials can burn grass, one can only imagine their effects on the human body,” said Thierry Murangira, RIB Spokesperson. “The factory has been prohibited from operating with immediate effect. All remaining Salama Juice stocks must be destroyed, as they pose a serious risk to consumers,” he said. ALSO READ: Interpol impounds illicit goods The inspection came five months after Joyland Company Ltd had recently renewed its five-year operating license. According to Rwanda FDA, the company's secret facility was used to conceal the bulk of illegal production. “Next, inspections will target anyone holding Salama Juice stock. The factory has been closed, and the operation revealed poor hygiene and substandard production. From now on, all remaining stock must be destroyed as it poses a health risk to consumers,” said Thierry Murangira, RIB Spokesperson. Inspectors also said the factory had expanded into steel wire production outside its licensed activities and kept cattle on site, in violation of its permit. While authorities have yet to disclose the full list of closed companies and pharmacies, some confirmed cases include SKY Brewery Ltd in Ndera, Gasabo District and NI&P Company Ltd in Gitega Sector, Nyarugenge. Proprietors of these companies are currently at large and being sought by security agencies. NI&P Company, although licensed to handle ethanol, was found illegally selling it in unapproved water bottles. “Ethanol is intended only for authorized alcoholic production. Selling it to the public under unsafe conditions is extremely dangerous,” Murangira explained. Authorities condemned businesses that exploit legal investment frameworks while endangering public health. Several factories were found forging FDA and RSB stamps, altering production and expiry dates, misusing trademarks, and producing items beyond the scope of their licenses. Who is in custody? Detained individuals include factory managers, workers, and local authorities who allegedly failed to report the illegal production practices. Suspects face criminal charges, including distributing dangerous substances, forgery, and money laundering. Convictions could result in prison sentences of two to three years and fines ranging from Rwf300,000 to Rwf500,000. Investigations are ongoing to determine possible corruption or complicity by local authorities who allegedly turned a blind eye to violations. Authorities highlighted multiple quality violations, including product duplication, unhygienic production, expired ingredients, poor meat transport, banned cosmetics for skin bleaching, and environmental hazards.
