Lusaka, June 6, 2024
The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has disposed of non-complaint packaged water, fruit flavoured drinks, fertilizer, clear beer, potable spirits, shoe polish and mealie meal in Lusaka valued at more than K20, 000.
In a statement, ZCSA Public Relations Officer Onishias Maamba said the disposal of non-compliant products, which took place on June 5, 2024, is in line with the provisions of the Compulsory Standards Act No.3 of 2017.
Mr. Maamba explained that in March 2024, the Agency seized and withdrew the said products from the market during its open market surveillance inspections conducted in Lusaka to curtail the illegal sale of products covered by compulsory standards.
He said the products were seized from Emmasdale, Industrial Area, Chipata, Kanyama, Chawama, Town Centre, Kamwala South, 10 Miles, Ngwerere, Obama and Waterfalls Townships.
The ZCSA Public Relations Officer noted that this enforcement activity in Lusaka was aimed at ensuring that only safe products are supplied to consumers as unlicensed products have the potential of posing a risk to the safety of consumers.
Mr. Maamba said the products covered by compulsory standards are only allowed on the market once they comply with regulatory requirements in relevant compulsory standards.
Mr. Maamba has since warned of stern action against the illegal manufacturing, importation and sale of products covered by compulsory standards.
He said manufacturers are required to obtain authority from the Agency before supplying products covered by compulsory standards on the market to safeguard the safety of consumers.
And Mr. Maamba noted that the Agency has intensified its enforcement and public education activities on all regulated products to protect consumers.
Meanwhile, Mr. Maamba has appealed to consumers to be safety conscious and only buy food products and beverages from regulated and reputable outlets as Zambia joins the rest of the world in celebrating the World Food Safety Day tomorrow.
Mr. Maamba said consumers must refrain from consuming beverages and food products whose source is unknown or questionable.
He said consuming unregulated food products and beverages whose safety has not been ascertained can pose a risk to their health and lead to sickness or even death like the recent case of traditional beer in Pemba district of Southern Province.
Mr. Maamba added that consumers must alert the Agency of suspicious or suspected illegally produced food products and beverages on the market so that enforcement actions are implemented.
“This year’s World Food Safety day is being held under the theme “Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected.”
“The theme underlines the importance of being prepared for food safety incidents, no matter how mild or severe they can be. “
“Food safety incidents are situations where there is a potential or confirmed health risk associated with food consumption. “
“A food incident can happen, for example, due to accidents, inadequate controls, food fraud or natural events. “
“While being ready to manage food safety incidents requires dedicated efforts from policymakers, food safety authorities, farmers and food business operators, consumers also can play an active role.”
“ZCSA regulates 61 imported and locally manufactured products falling within the scope of Compulsory Standards covering Food Products, Beverages, Chemical products, Household Electrical and similar appliances, Fuel, Fertilizers, Rubber products and Used Textile Products, among others. “
“The Agency is a Statutory Body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry established by the Compulsory Standards Act No.3 of 2017 to administer, maintain and ensure compliance with compulsory standards for the purpose of public safety and health, consumer and environmental protection. “Mr. Maamba said
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