Health authorities in Itezhi Tezhi District of Southern Province have disposed of expired and unsafe food products valued at approximately K42, 000 following inspections conducted in the district.
Speaking during the exercise, Itezhi Tezhi Town Council Senior Public Health Inspector, Albert Chitamaluka, says the operation targeted products that had either expired or failed to meet public health standards.
“The products that we have disposed of are either expired or found to be in conditions that do not comply with public health laws,” he explains.
Mr Chitamaluka added that some products were confiscated despite not being expired because they had been handled and stored under unsanitary conditions.
“We found bakery products that were being placed directly on the floor in environments that did not meet the required hygiene standards,” he said.
He emphasised that inspections are not limited to checking expiry dates but also focus on ensuring food safety.
“We do not only confiscate expired products. We also remove any food items that are deemed unsafe for human consumption,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Chitamaluka acknowledged the losses incurred by traders.
“We sympathise with those who have incurred these losses, however, our primary concern remains the protection of public health,” he stressed.
Mr Chitamaluka disclosed that authorities will intensify sensitisation programmes and monitor food products entering the district to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
