CCPC seizes unsafe, substandard goods

By BUSINESS REPORTER

GOODS worth over K7, 675 have been seized by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) in six districts of Luapula Province after it carried out inspections in over 100 trading areas.

CCPC public relations officer, Namukolo Kasumpa explained that the seized items had defects and, did not meet the mandatory product information standards set by Section 50 of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act No 24 of 2010 and the Food and Drugs Regulations under the Food and Drugs Act Cap 303 of the Laws of Zambia.

Ms Kasumpa said the seized items had either expired or did not have expiry dates while some had insufficient labels and others had broken seals.

She said the products seized include sausages, biscuits, assorted snacks, agro inputs and cosmetics and expired drinks.

“What we noticed on the goods is that traders had rubbed off the expiry dates and some drinks were labelled in foreign language which is in contravention of the Act and poses a health risk to Zambian consumers.

“The seizure of the goods was conducted during a sensitisation and advocacy tour of Luapula Province aimed at educating consumers on their rights and obligations as well as inspecting trading premises in selected districts in the Province with the view of ascertaining the trader’s compliance levels with the Competition and Consumer Protection Act (CCPA) No 24 of 2010,” she said.

Ms Kusumpa warned suppliers, retailers and distributors to cease selling unsuitable products, which had exceeded or are close to reaching their shelf life especially in rural areas.

She further advised traders to abide by the law and desist from engaging in unfair trading practices or any conducts that erode consumer welfare.

“Our appeal to members of the public is to be alert and check for expiry dates and general information of the products so as to avoid consuming products that might endanger their lives.”