ZCSA Warns of Deadly Risks from Fake Spirits and Banned Goods in Mansa
The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has stepped up its public awareness campaign on product safety, urging traders and consumers in Mansa to reject substandard and potentially harmful goods.
Speaking during a roadshow at UB Market, ZCSA Manager for Communications and Public Relations, Brian Hatyoka, said the initiative forms part of the agency’s nationwide efforts to educate the public on compulsory standards and protect consumer health.
Mr Hatyoka, speaking on behalf of ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga, said the agency regulates over 100 products, including food, beverages, electrical goods, construction materials and chemical products, to ensure they meet required safety standards.
He warned traders against dealing in banned and non-compliant products, particularly used undergarments and unregistered potable spirits, which pose serious health risks.
“Consumers must avoid products that are expired, poorly labelled, or not approved by the agency. These products can endanger health and safety,” he said.
The agency also raised concern over the continued circulation of illicit alcoholic beverages, noting that such products can lead to severe health complications, including blindness, deafness and even death.
ZCSA emphasised that the sale and importation of used undergarments remains prohibited under Statutory Instrument No. 120 of 2006, citing risks such as skin infections and other communicable conditions.
Mr Hatyoka urged consumers to adopt safe purchasing habits, including checking product labels for essential information such as ingredients, expiry dates, manufacturer details and storage instructions. He added that labels must be written in English, with other languages provided only as a supplement.
The agency further called on manufacturers, importers and suppliers to obtain the necessary approvals before placing products on the market and to adhere to good manufacturing practices.
ZCSA disclosed that during a national market surveillance exercise conducted in the fourth quarter of 2025, non-compliant products worth over K440,000 were withdrawn across 10 provinces, including items valued at K5,341 in Mansa and Samfya districts.
In Luapula Province, the agency currently monitors 15 registered manufacturers, mainly in the food and beverage sector, through inspections and product testing to ensure compliance with standards.
Mr Hatyoka said ZCSA will continue expanding its outreach and registration efforts to support local businesses and unlock investment potential in the province, in line with the 2026 Luapula Investment Expo.
He encouraged members of the public to report suspicious or unsafe products to the ZCSA office in Mansa or through official communication channels to enable enforcement action.
