“Substandard Fertilizer Disposed Off”
… Maamba said the seized urea fertilizer offended Section 16 of the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017, Zambian Standard ZS 605, Fertilizers- Urea Specification, as well as the Public Health Act Cap 295 of the laws of Zambia
By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, Zambia24 (01-01-2024) – A collaborative effort between the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) and Chongwe Municipal Council disposed of 36x50kg bags of substandard urea fertilizer, valued at K32,400, following a Court Order issued on December 15, 2023, by the Chongwe Magistrate’s Court.
Onishias Maamba, ZCSA Public Relations Officer, informed journalists at a media briefing in Choongwe that the disposal of substandard urea fertilizer was carried out in partnership with the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) to uphold compliance with the Environmental Management Act and prevent adverse environmental impacts, as required by the Compulsory Standards Act No.3 of 2017.
According to Maamba, ZCSA confiscated granular urea fertilizer on December 14, 2023, from Fumigate Zambia Limited. Subsequently, ZCSA transferred the non-compliant product to Chongwe Municipal Council, which obtained a disposal order from the Magistrate Court.
“The seized urea fertilizer offended Section 16 of the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017, Zambian Standard ZS 605, Fertilizers- Urea Specification, as well as the Public Health Act Cap 295 of the laws of Zambia,” he added.
Maamba stressed the significance of stringent enforcement against companies that produce and supply products in violation of applicable laws, highlighting the potential risks to public safety, health, and the environment.
He emphasized the authorities’ commitment to ongoing joint enforcement efforts to ensure only safe products are available on the market.
He also urged consumers not only to buy fertilizers from reputable sources but also to report any suspicious products to the nearest Agency office.
At the same briefing, Peter Sukwa, the Public Relations Officer of the Chongwe Municipal Council, issued a stern warning against the sale of substandard products in Choongwe.
He explained that the Public Health Department would vigorously pursue offenders, signaling Choongwe’s intolerance of such practices.
Sukwa underscored the gravity of the situation and stressed the importance of compliance with quality standards.
