The Director of Fisheries Development, Dr Winston Mleche, told the DailyNews on Tuesday that after an investigation and verification, ministry officials in Coast Region cleared the farm and assured consumers that the owner was observing best practices in poultry keeping.

"The farm is being managed legally and all safety and security measures are adhered to, although we are still wondering as to why district authorities had no idea of the farm's existence," he said. When contacted for comment, Morning Fresh Farm Managing Director Mr Ally Vessi said he set up the business last year after securing permits.

"I paid all statutory fees and have documents from the Mkuranga District Council allowing me to operate the farm. I'm surprised they failed to give ministry officials the right information," he said. On the production volume, he said the farm employs 15 staff, 14 of them locals and its capacity ranges from 250 to 270 trays of eggs per day, adding that there are 22,000 chickens on the farm.