The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has called on the government to take precautionary measures to prevent human rights violations amidst the potential human and environmental health risks, of the reported presence of aflatoxins in maize grain, animal feed and mealie meal distributed on the Zambian market.
Commission Chairperson, Pamela Sambo says government’s confirmation of the presence of aflatoxins in maize-related products and animal feed is a matter of serious public concern.
Ms. Sambo said to avert a public health emergency, government must immediately consider a full range of preventative and remedial measures, such as halting further distribution and instant removal from the market, of the affected maize products.
“It is a stark reminder of the need for businesses in the food production sector to comply with safety and human rights standards in the supply chain,” said Ms Sambo in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
Ms. Sambo added that the Commission has however commended the government for taking prompt action to address aflatoxins contamination in the identified maize-related products.
She has further called on the government to ensure a constant supply of unadulterated maize and maize-related products to avoid a shortage of the staple food and ensure its availability, accessibility and affordability on the market.
Chimba Chilopa
