Read Labels, Stay Safe

ZCSA Urges Consumers to Check Product Information to Avoid Health Risks, as Over K20,000 Worth of Unsafe Products Removed from the Market Under ZCSA Enforcement

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (October 22, 2025) – The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has urged consumers to “read labels and stay safe” by carefully checking product information before making purchases, emphasizing that awareness is key to protecting public health.

This call comes as the Agency seized over K20,000 worth of banned used undergarments in Lusaka and Monze during intensified enforcement exercises aimed at curbing the sale of unsafe products.

According to ZCSA Public Relations Officer Onishias Maamba, the confiscated items violated Zambian Standard (ZS 559), which prohibits the sale of used undergarments due to their potential to cause serious health problems.

He said ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga warned that used undergarments could lead to skin rashes, fungal infections, and even sexually transmitted diseases.

 “Consumers must remain vigilant and report any banned or suspicious products to the nearest ZCSA office,” Maamba quoted Chizinga as saying. 

“Public participation is crucial for enforcing standards and protecting lives.”

Maamba further explained that ZCSA’s work goes beyond enforcement. 

“We are committed to educating the public, especially young people, about product safety. Through school visits, workshops, and educational materials, we aim to empower the next generation to identify unsafe products and promote compliance within their communities,” he said.

He noted that during a recent visit by pupils from Northmead, Olympia, and Roma Girls Secondary Schools to ZCSA headquarters, the students learned about the importance of reading product labels as a key aspect of consumer protection.

Maamba also recalled a previous seizure of 69 boxes of used underwear that were safely donated to a faith-based organization in Rufunsa District, adding that this demonstrated ZCSA’s commitment to handling recovered items responsibly.

He concluded that the ongoing enforcement aligns with the Agency’s mandate under the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017, which empowers ZCSA to safeguard public health and ensure compliance with national standards. 

“Our role is to maintain a safe and compliant marketplace. Every citizen has a role to play—starting with reading labels and staying safe,” Maamba said.