The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency, ZCSA, has disposed of non-compliant beverages and other products in Lusaka valued at over K20, 000.
“The non- compliant products include packaged water, fruit flavored drinks, fertilizer, clear beer, potable spirits, shoe polish and mealie meal,” ZCSA Public Relations Officer Onishias Maamba said in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
Mr. Maamba said the products were seized from Emmasdale, Industrial Area, Chipata, Kanyama, Chawama, Town Centre, Kamwala South, 10 Miles, Ngwerere, Obama and Waterfalls Townships.
Mr. Maamba said 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 disposal of the 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 and is 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.
He has since warned of stern action against the illegal manufacturing, importation and sale of products covered by compulsory standards.
Meanwhile, Mr. Maamba says as Zambia joins the rest of the world in celebrating the World Food Safety Day tomorrow, June 7, 2024, under theme “Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected.”, ZCSA is appealing to consumers to be safety conscious and only buy food products and beverages from regulated and reputable outlets.
Mr. Maamba has urged consumers to refrain from consuming beverages and food products whose source is unknown or questionable and further, alert ZCSA of suspected illegally produced food products and beverages on the market so that enforcement actions are implemented.
He said the theme underlines the importance of being prepared for food safety incidents, no matter how mild or severe they can be.
By Margaret Mwanza
