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The Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumers from unfair and deceptive practices, particularly regarding the sale of prepackaged goods such as bread.
The agency responded to concerns raised by the Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) on July 14, 2025, about allegations that some bakeries were selling underweight bread products.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, ZMA Public Relations Officer, Sandra Mwila, assured the public of the agency’s dedication to upholding consumer rights and promoting transparency and fairness in the marketplace.
Mwila said ZMA continues to collaborate with statutory bodies, consumer protection organizations, and other stakeholders to address such issues.
She commended ZACA for its vigilance and advocacy and encouraged the association to report specific cases of non-compliance to enable ZMA inspectors to take swift action.
“Since January 2025, ZMA has conducted inspections of bakeries nationwide to assess compliance with weight and labeling requirements,” Mwila explained.
These inspections follow the provisions of Statutory Instrument No. 56 of 2021: The Metrology (Prepackaged Commodities) Regulations, which specify measurement, packaging, and labeling standards.
Mwila reported that the inspections revealed a 96 percent compliance rate regarding net weight and labeling.
“Under the Metrology Act and SI No. 56 of 2021, bakers may prepackage bread in sizes ranging from 100 grams to 1 kilogram, with the actual weight required to match the declared net content or displayed weight,” she noted.
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The agency will maintain its market surveillance through targeted and random inspections to ensure bread products meet their declared net weight and that weighing equipment used in production is accurate and legally verified.
Mwila also urged consumers to report any suspected cases of underweight or mislabeled products at their nearest ZMA office, via written complaints, or through the agency’s social media channels.
“The ZMA Inspection Unit will also conduct nationwide stakeholder sensitization on metrology requirements within the manufacturing sub-sector,” she announced.
Meanwhile, ZACA Executive Secretary Juba Sakala had raised concerns over reports that some bakeries were allegedly producing bread weighing 400 grams less than the advertised 700 grams.
“This practice undermines consumer trust and allows bakers to profit unfairly from inflated prices and the sale of underweight products,” Sakala said.
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