ZCSA Warns

Hatyoka says, Contaminated Food and Beverages Threaten Public Health – Calls for Vigilance and Compliance

By Francis Maingaila 

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (11-07-2025) - The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has issued a stern warning to food producers, distributors, and retailers against the sale and distribution of contaminated or substandard food and beverage products, describing the practice as a direct threat to public health and a violation of national standards.

Speaking on the sidelines of the World Food Safety Day Symposium held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, ZCSA Manager – Communications and Public Relations, Brian Hatyoka, underscored the agency’s unwavering commitment to enforcing food safety regulations through mandatory inspections, testing, and surveillance.

“The resurgence of foodborne illnesses such as cholera is not accidental—it is a direct result of contaminated food and unsafe drinking water reaching consumers. This signals serious lapses in hygiene and compliance within the supply chain,” Mr. Hatyoka said.

He explained that ZCSA’s mandate involves rigorous inspection of manufacturing facilities—right from raw materials to finished products—to ensure that all consumables meet compulsory safety and hygiene standards.

“We inspect not only the cleanliness of the production environment, but also the suitability of equipment, the medical fitness of workers, and proper labeling and packaging. No food product should enter the market unless it passes these essential checks,” he declared.

ZCSA has made it clear that unsafe or non-compliant products will be seized and destroyed to protect consumers and the environment. 

Mr. Hatyoka emphasized that labeling is not optional—it is a legal requirement designed to protect the public.

“Products must be clearly labeled in English, showing ingredients, manufacturing and expiry dates, alcohol content where applicable, and the name and address of the manufacturer. Without this information, consumers cannot make informed choices—and that's unacceptable,” he stressed.

He singled out alcoholic beverages as a growing area of concern, warning that any product exceeding 55% alcohol content is illegal and unsafe.

“Manufacturers who fail to declare alcohol content are putting lives at risk. The law is clear—potable spirits above 55% alcohol content are not fit for human consumption,” Mr. Hatyoka warned.

To prevent the circulation of harmful products, ZCSA carries out factory audits, market surveillance, and strict checks at border entry points to stop substandard imports. 

But Mr. Hatyoka noted that enforcement alone is not enough—consumer responsibility is equally critical.

“We urge consumers to take control of their safety. Read the labels, check expiry dates, and buy only from registered, reputable outlets. If you buy food or drinks from informal traders without verifying its safety, you are gambling with your health,” he cautioned.

He expressed concern that expired or illegal products are often dumped in rural areas, where many people may not be accustomed to checking product information. 

However, he noted that ZCSA’s upstream inspections at manufacturing points help ensure that what reaches even the most remote markets is safe.

“I once visited a rural shop and found expired food products on display. I intervened and had them removed. Sometimes, just one person who can read a label can protect an entire community,” he said.

Mr. Hatyoka called on members of the public to partner with ZCSA in safeguarding national health by reporting expired or suspicious products on the market.

“Blow the whistle. If you see unsafe products being sold, contact us. We will send inspectors, seize, and destroy those items. We all have a duty to protect lives and ensure that only safe, quality-assured products reach the Zambian consumer,” he said.