ZCSA seizes 126 bottles of expired beer in Kitwe
The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) carried out a successful enforcement operation yesterday, seizing 126 bottles of expired Clear Beer worth K2,100 from Leo’s Pub and Grill located in Kitwe. Acting on a tip-off from vigilant members of the public, the ZCSA conducted the operation in the afternoon of July 5, 2023.
The Clear Beer in question falls under the regulation of the Zambian Standard – ZS 430: Clear Beer – Specification. It was found that the beer had expired on June 29, 2023, yet it was still being stocked for public consumption as of July 5, 2023, a clear violation of the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017.
The ZCSA, responsible for administering, maintaining, and enforcing compulsory standards for the protection of public safety, health, consumer rights, and the environment, issued a stern warning to all entities involved in the supply of goods. They stressed the importance of ensuring that products meet the necessary standards and emphasized the potential risks posed by non-compliant items.
Commending the members of the public who alerted the ZCSA to the expired beer, the agency urged consumers to be vigilant and only consume beverages that adhere to regulatory standards in order to safeguard their health and safety.
In a related effort to raise awareness about public safety concerns, the ZCSA organized a roadshow on July 5, 2023, at Chisokone Market in Kitwe. The event aimed to educate the public on the dangers associated with the use of second-hand undergarments and the consumption of unregulated potable spirits. The roadshow featured officials from the Chisokone Market Committee, Kitwe City Council, Change Mindset Zambia, Kitwe Central Police, as well as journalists from Ndola and Kitwe. Together with ZCSA staff and local artists, they worked to sensitize the public about the potential risks posed by these products.
The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency operates as a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry (MCTI). With a mandate to enforce compulsory standards, the agency plays a crucial role in protecting the public’s well-being and ensuring consumer confidence in the marketplace.
