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The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has reportedly registered 39 establishments which produce food products and beverages covered by compulsory standards in the first half of 2025 in five provinces.
According to the Agency, 20 entities were registered producing food products and beverages during the first quarter of 2025 while 19 firms were recorded in the second quarter of 2025 in Lusaka, Central, Western, Eastern and Southern Provinces.
ZCSA Manager for Communications and Public Relations, Brian Hatyoka, in a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday said this underscored the Agency’s determination to protect consumers.
Hatyoka stated that the establishments had invested in the production of mealie meal, peanut butter, wheat flour, cooking oil, fruit flavoured drinks, jams, packaged drinking water and alcoholic beverages.
Out of the total number of registered establishments during the first half of 2025, the majority of entities are producing and supplying packaged drinking water.
“During the same period under review, entities producing non-food products were registered covering fertilizers, number plates, washing detergents, electrical cables, pure glycerine, acid lead batteries and poultry feed,” he said.
Hatyoka stated that it was a legal requirement for manufacturers, importers and suppliers of products covered by mandatory standards to register with ZCSA.
He said products covered by compulsory standards, including food and beverages, were only allowed on the market once they comply with regulatory requirements.
“Further, ZCSA is appealing to consumers to be safety conscious and only buy food products and beverages from regulated and reputable outlets,” Hatyoka said.
He urged consumers to refrain from consuming beverages and food products whose source was unknown or questionable.
Hatyoka said consumption of food products and drinks whose safety had not been ascertained scientifically may pose a risk to their health and lead to sickness or even death.
“Consumers should only consume food products and beverages which are safe for human consumption,” he said.
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