By Scoop Reporter
THE Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has seized an assortment of expired clear beer namely Flying Fish, Smirnoff and Amstel as well as carbonated drinks valued around K2,528.000 from the Garage and Fair Deal Bars of Lusaka’s Matero Township.
ZCSA Head of Communications Brian Hatyoka says this is in contravention of the Zambian Standard – (ZS) 430: Clear Beer – Specification and the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017.
Mr. Hatyoka said the expired beverages have been withdrawn from the two bars and are awaiting disposal. This particular enforcement exercise was conducted by the Agency on July 31, 2023.
“The Agency is warning traders to avoid supplying products that may put the health and safety of consumers at risk. With effect from 31st July 2023, ZCSA has intensified its market surveillance inspections countrywide in a bid to curtail the sale of unsafe products covered under compulsory standards.
“The countrywide market surveillance programme is aimed at ensuring continued compliance of products within compulsory standards, to protect consumers in line with the Agency’s mandate. Currently, the Agency is participating at the ongoing 95th Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show in Lusaka under the theme “inclusive economic transformation”.
“ZCSA regulates 61 products subject to compulsory standards covering food products, beverages, chemical products, fertilizer, fuel, household electrical appliances and used Textile Products containing Undergarments, among other products,” Mr. Hatyoka said.
He said this regulatory mandate contributes to Inclusive Economic Transformation in different sectors of the Zambian Economy.