ZACA RAISES CONCERN OVER INDUSTRIAL SUGAR BEING SOLD FOR HOME USE

By Scoop Reporter

The Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) has called for urgent action regarding the sale of industrial sugar that has flooded local markets.

ZACA Executive Secretary Juba Sakala noted that consumers are increasingly buying cheap sugar, which poses health risks since this product is intended solely for industrial purposes.

Mr. Sakala urged sugar manufacturing companies to strengthen their distribution controls to ensure that industrial sugar reaches only authorized industrial users.

He explained that excessive consumption of industrial sugar can lead to various health issues, which could become a significant challenge for consumers.

As Zambia adapts to economic changes triggered by global tariffs, Mr. Sakala emphasized that protecting consumers is a priority for safeguarding public health.

“We have received alarming reports about industrial sugar intended exclusively for outlets in Soweto Market. Similar practices have also been observed in Kasumbalesa, where unsuspecting consumers in high-density areas, such as Chaisa, are buying and repacking this sugar into smaller portions for retail,” he said.

He said the situation not only poses a danger to end users but also constitutes a violation of the Food Safety Act, the Public Health Act, and other relevant national standards.