The Zambia Bureau of Standards has called on local manufacturers, food processors and other entrepreneurs to improve their product quality in order to promote trade and economic growth.
In statement ZABS Head of Marketing & Public Relations Hazel Zulu said such improvement can be done by can be done by ensuring that local manufacturers, food processors and industry subject their products to laboratory testing and analysis to confirm product compliance to set standards.
She expressed happiness with the willingness from private clients who are voluntarily taking their products for testing.
She said between January and March, the Bureau analyzed and tested a total of 2,016 product samples instead of the targeted 1,827 which said was a good indication as 62% of the samples tested were submitted by private clients.
“This is a good indication as 62% of the samples tested were submitted for testing by private clients. This confirms that more and more local manufacturing companies are voluntarily coming forward to have their products tested and analyzed for quality because of the value this service provides to their businesses.
“During the period under review, the largest number of samples tested were food stuffs, petroleum samples, water and fruit-flavoured drinks. A total of 424 assorted food stuffs were tested, 580 petroleum products and 173 fruit flavoured drinks.
“We are urging industry and individuals alike to make use of our laboratory testing services so that they can be sure of the quality of products they are putting on the market to protect the health and safety of consumers and to promote social economic development,” reads the statement in part.
Do not make yourself a nuisance before you comment about Zambian manufacturers. Have you thought of the useless Chinese goods that you are allowing into the country when you are there as an organisation to ensure only high standard goods enter the country? Leave Zambian manufacturers alone please deal with the Chinese first.
ZABS, can YOU IMPROVE YOUR ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES instead adding insult to injury. You have become toothless parasites blabbing slogans which you do not understand instead of enforcing statutory provisions.
Where is the money to buy better machinery? Shall we take loans from banks @ 40%? Ask your incompetent Minister what has she done to protect local industry?
NOTHING!!!
Just EFFING slogans and empty speeches.