Lusaka, Wednesday (August 21, 2024)
Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) has urged the Government, through the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture, to immediately disclose the brands of mealie meal and maize products currently on the market that are suspected of causing the deaths of dogs and potentially humans.
CEJ Executive Director Maggie Mwape observed that the public has a right to know which products are unsafe to protect their health and well-being.
Ms Mwape noted with sadness that the presence of aflatoxin in maize meal products has already led to the tragic deaths of over 400 dogs.
She highlighted that the toxin poses severe health risks to humans, including lung collapse, kidney damage, liver diseases, and immune system suppression.
The CEJ Executive Director urged the government to act swiftly to prevent further harm.
She said hiding the names of the companies involved in the scandal only protects the guilty and endangers the innocent.
Ms Mwape said transparency will ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that such negligence is not repeated.
She fears that the public’s trust in the food supply chain is at stake.
Ms Mwape pointed out that by disclosing the names of the contaminated brands, the government can take the first step towards restoring confidence and ensuring that only safe products are available on the market.
She urged the government to prioritize the health and safety of its citizens by being transparent about the brands involved in this scandal.
