The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) is urging consumers to stop consuming unregulated beverages whose safety has not been ascertained. Consumers should contribute to safeguarding their health by only consuming regulated drinks available on the market.
This comes in the wake of reports of deaths in Southern Province last week where some people consumed suspected homemade beer called Chijabi allegedly made using methylated spirit, tablets, and shoe polish, among others.
Consumption of a product containing methylated spirit can cause damage to many body organs such as kidneys, heart, and eyes. This can cause unconsciousness and death, while consumption of shoe polish may cause belly ache, diarrhea, and difficulties in breathing.
ZCSA has taken a keen interest in the matter and is currently collaborating with other state institutions to investigate this case. The Agency will issue a comprehensive statement in due course after gathering sufficient information on the matter.
ZCSA is further appealing to the public to report to the nearest office any individual or firms involved in the illegal production and supply of beverages on the market. The Agency will intensify enforcement and public education activities on illegal production and sale of beverages in a quest to enhance the safety of consumers.
Beverages which are not approved by ZCSA and other relevant authorities may be unsafe for human consumption. ZCSA regulates beverages such as Opaque Beer, Clear Beer, Potable Spirits, and Fruit Flavored Drinks in a quest to protect the health and safety of consumers.
It is mandatory for all manufacturers, importers, and traders of the said beverages to obtain authority from the Agency for them to supply the products on the market as provided for under the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017.
ZCSA, a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, is mandated by the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017 to administer, maintain, and enforce compulsory standards for the purpose of public safety, health, consumer, and environmental protection.
Issued by: Original Copy Signed
Brian Hatyoka | Acting Manager – Communications and Public Relations
Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency
It’s difficult to regulate home made beverages because almost each tribe has its traditional drink that is served at different occasions. Kankanda and chibwantu are common in Southern province. But has caused people to depart from these treasured beverages to concoct such a weird beer? Last time people used to mix yeast and sugar which caused imbibers to blackout and end up being delivered home on wheelbarrows. Local authorities and traditional leaders must be engaged to help stop this scourge
This points to existence of illegal factories somewhere being run by foreigners the Immigration Department has allowed to live in Zambia, most likely after paying bribes. The sanctions should also include owners of retail outlets selling such beverages. But Zambia being Zambia, I doubt it anyone is thinking on these lines.
With corruption so rampant in our country, There’s nothing that can stop such illegalities. Some of our officials are beneficialies of such activities, they see opportunities to make money. 20 years ago our country was not experiencing such lawlessness but today it’s a norm and these people are not even afraid of the law. The police also are looking for a quick buck in their pockets. Cry our beloved country.
The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) is urging consumers to stop consuming unregulated beverages whose safety has not been ascertained. Bwa hahahahaha! Kachasu is all over the country and ZCSA dont make any noise about it
It has been my long consider view that mixing factories of spirits should be banned. The import industrial ethanol in 210 litre drums by the containers and mixed it with water and flavouring additives. These cheap spirits have wracked havoc among the youths and adults alike. Not to mention the smuggled pirated brands like Jack Daniels, Jameson etc. Someone can get senselessly drunk with a 10zmw . We cannot be productive with so much drunkenness’. Worse still it is taking a toll on the health facilities
I’m very disappointed with my fellow citizens. This is a very important news item because it is about a danger to the health of all of us. Why so few comments to express concern? Zambians are damned.