Due Diligence
… Ensuring Thorough Investigation and Careful Evaluation to Establish Food Safety
By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, Zambia – (29-08-2024) — The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has assured the public that all Mealie Meal brands currently available on the market are safe for consumption. This reassurance comes after concerns were raised about elevated aflatoxin levels found in some batches of Mealie Meal and dog food.
Gerald Chizinga, Executive Director at ZCSA, confirmed that all affected batches were promptly identified, withdrawn, and destroyed in accordance with legal requirements. “We want to reassure the public that all Mealie Meal brands currently on the market are safe to consume,” Chizinga affirmed.
Chizinga emphasized that the ZCSA’s food safety and quality control systems are robust and effective. However, he acknowledged that this incident highlights potential weaknesses in Zambia’s food safety oversight that need urgent attention.
He noted that the contamination issue was specific to the identified Mealie Meal batches and that all current products on the market have been certified safe.
The presence of high aflatoxin levels in some batches raises concerns about the food supply chain and the effectiveness of inspections. This incident calls into question whether current systems are sufficient to prevent such issues before products reach consumers.
The government remains committed to routine inspections and market surveillance, with a focus on enhancing measures to address any gaps in food safety. The goal is to maintain the highest standards and protect public health.
The ZCSA will continue to conduct routine factory inspections and market surveillance to ensure ongoing compliance and consumer safety. As a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, established by the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017, the ZCSA is dedicated to administering, maintaining, and ensuring compliance with compulsory standards for public safety, health, consumer protection, and environmental safety.