ZCSA Registers 39 Food and Beverage Producers in First Half of 2025 to Boost Consumer Safety
The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has announced the registration of 39 establishments producing food and beverage products in the first half of 2025 across five provinces, reinforcing its commitment to consumer safety and public health.
The registrations, carried out in Lusaka, Central, Western, Eastern, and Southern Provinces, include producers of mealie meal, peanut butter, wheat flour, cooking oil, fruit-flavoured drinks, jams, packaged drinking water, and alcoholic beverages. A majority of these entities are focused on packaged drinking water, reflecting growing demand and scrutiny in the sector.
ZCSA recorded 20 registrations in the first quarter and 19 in the second quarter of 2025. In addition to food and beverage producers, the Agency also registered firms involved in the manufacture of non-food products such as fertilizers, washing detergents, number plates, electrical cables, poultry feed, acid lead batteries, and pure glycerine.
The Agency reminded manufacturers, importers, and suppliers that it is a legal requirement to register products covered by compulsory standards. These products must meet strict regulatory requirements before being allowed on the Zambian market.
“Our focus remains on protecting the health and safety of consumers. Only products that meet approved standards are allowed on the market,” said Brian Hatyoka, ZCSA’s Manager for Communications and Public Relations.
ZCSA has further urged consumers to be cautious and only purchase food and beverages from regulated outlets, warning that consumption of unverified products may lead to serious health risks or even death.
“Consumers must avoid products from questionable sources and insist on goods that are certified and safe for human consumption,” the Agency emphasized.
Zambians have been encouraged to visit the ZCSA stand at the 97th Agricultural and Commercial Show in Lusaka, taking place from 30 July to 4 August 2025, to learn more about the Agency’s role in public health, consumer protection, and environmental safety.
ZCSA operates under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, and was established under the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017. The Agency currently regulates 61 products, including used motor vehicles, cement, fertilizers, fuels, food and beverages, chemicals, and household electrical appliances.
Preparations are also underway to implement 41 new compulsory standards, which will cover solar products, packaging materials, milk and tomato products, energy drinks, and fish and fish products, among others.
