The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) says it will soon lift the suspension on a number of packaged water brands that were temporarily banned earlier this year following suspicions of contamination and unauthorized distribution.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News , ZCSA Communication and Public Relations Manager, Brian Hatyoka, confirmed that after thorough laboratory analysis, some of the affected water brands have met the necessary safety standards and will be cleared for sale to the public.
“In May this year, ZCSA restricted 113 cases of packaged drinking water in Ndola and Kitwe valued at K7,475 as these products were being supplied without the authority of the agency, in violation of the Compulsory Standard Act 3 of 2017,” said Mr. Hatyoka.
Mr. Hatyoka said that laboratory tests were conducted to assess the quality and safety of the products and the agency can confirm that some samples have passed the key parameters required for market distribution and are deemed safe for human consumption.
He however, said the agency has maintained the suspension of other brands that failed to meet the standards, warning that they could pose a risk to public health if allowed on the market.
Mr. Hatyoka has since advised the public to always look out for the ZCSA mark of conformity on packaged products and to report any suspicious brands to its offices across the country.
He further indicated that the suspension and subsequent testing follow the agency’s continued enforcement efforts aimed at curbing the supply of substandard and potentially hazardous goods.
By Margaret Mwanza
