Melo News | Friday, February 23, 2024 | Chipata
Paul Thole, the Permanent Secretary of the Eastern province, has emphasized the need for increased public awareness regarding products that are subject to compulsory standards. This is to ensure that consumers are protected from unsafe products that may be available in the market. During a meeting with officials from the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA), Mr. Thole highlighted the importance of educating the public about both locally manufactured and imported products that are regulated.
Mr. Thole specifically mentioned the significant growth of cooperatives involved in food processing in the Eastern Province. He stressed the importance of ensuring that these products meet the necessary safety, reliability, and quality standards. He commended the efforts of ZCSA in enforcing compliance with compulsory standards and urged the agency to continue their important work.
The Permanent Secretary also expressed concerns about the potential harm that locally produced alcoholic drinks could pose to consumers. Additionally, he highlighted the health risks associated with wearing second-hand undergarments. In response to these concerns, Mr. Thole pledged his office’s full support to ZCSA in effectively carrying out their duties.
In response to Mr. Thole’s call for increased public awareness, Brian Hatyoka, the Head of Communications at ZCSA, announced that the agency would be organizing a roadshow in Chipata. The purpose of this roadshow is to educate the public about the dangers of consuming unregulated potable spirits and the health risks associated with wearing used undergarments.
Hatyoka further explained that the roadshow would also focus on encouraging producers of commonly consumed locally produced products in the Eastern Province, such as peanut butter, maize meal, cooking oil, and packaged drinking water, to formalize their businesses and register with the agency as required by the Compulsory Standards Act. This initiative aims to ensure that these products meet the necessary standards and provide consumers with safe and reliable options.
