RWANDA — Authorities in Rwanda have ordered Joyland Company Ltd, the producer of the popular Salama Juice brand, to suspend operations indefinitely after inspectors discovered alarming food safety violations, poor hygiene, and unsafe working conditions at its Nyarugenge-based factory.
The shutdown followed a five-day nationwide crackdown from October 13–17, jointly conducted by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Rwanda National Police (RNP), Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and the City of Kigali, which led to the seizure of substandard goods worth Rwf106 million (US$73115.11).
Authorities confiscated over 19,000 litres of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, 70 kilograms of marijuana, meat valued at Rwf36 million (US$2,4831.55), among other non-food products.
Inside the Salama Juice scandal
Salama Juice, widely available in flavours such as mango, pineapple, apple, and strawberry, was among the products recalled from the market due to contamination concerns.
The Rwanda FDA has directed retailers to discard all remaining stocks, warning that the beverages pose a serious health risk to consumers.
According to RIB Spokesperson Thierry Murangira, inspectors found that while the factory’s front operations appeared compliant with clean premises and functional machinery, the rear premises, previously concealed from regulators, were unfit for beverage production.
A video screened during a press briefing showed cramped, unhygienic rooms being used as both sleeping quarters and production areas, with containers of fermented substances and waste leaking into nearby vegetation.
“If these materials can burn grass, one can only imagine their effects on the human body,” said Murangira.
“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.”
The inspection revealed that the company had recently renewed its five-year operating license, just five months prior, and yet was running an illegal secondary facility for unsanitary juice production.
Beyond juice
Investigators further discovered that Joyland Company had expanded into steel wire production and was keeping cattle on site, both of which fall outside its licensed operations.
The factory’s environmental practices also violated national safety regulations, with effluent runoff scorching nearby vegetation.
Meanwhile, other companies affected by the operation include SKY Brewery Ltd (Gasabo District) and NI&P Company Ltd (Nyarugenge District), found illegally selling ethanol in unapproved water bottles.
Murangira explained that ethanol is intended only for authorized industrial or alcoholic production.
“Selling it to the public under unsafe conditions is extremely dangerous,” he said.
Forgery, corruption, consumer risk
Officials also reported cases of forged FDA and Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) stamps, falsified expiry dates, misused trademarks, and illegal production of banned items.
Detained individuals include factory managers, workers, and local officials accused of turning a blind eye to violations.
They face charges related to distribution of dangerous substances, forgery, and money laundering.
If convicted, they could face two to three years in prison and fines between Rwf300,000 (US$206.93) and Rwf500,000 (US$344.88). Investigations are ongoing to establish whether corruption or complicity by local authorities contributed to the violations.
The Rwanda FDA has vowed to continue nationwide inspections targeting unsafe products, emphasizing that public health and consumer safety remain top priorities.