Lusaka City Council (LCC) Public Health Department has called on all Roller Meal manufacturing companies to produce good quality Mealie meal.
Council Public Health Director Edgar Mulwanda expressed dismay over reports received from members of the public on the compromised quality and bitterness of the roller Mealie meal, a situation he says prompted the local authority to take keen interest in addressing the matter.
Mr. Mulwanda disclosed upon receiving the complaints, the public health team collected samples from both households and Roller meal manufacturing companies for laboratory testing, upon which it was discovered that the quality of the raw materials being used in the processing of the commodity is compromised and not up to standard.
He stated that in as much as people would want to eat roller meal which is high in nutritional value, it is disappointing to note that some of the manufacturing companies have resorted to using raw materials that are not up to standard.
“In accordance with the food safety Act, it clearly states that food which is to be consumed must be of quality and thereby it is our obligation as a Local authority to ensure that this Act is highly observed,” Mr. Mulwanda said.
Mr Mulwanda said some of the roller meal manufacturing companies have so far been engaged in order to help stop the use of raw materials that are substandard, further urging all milling companies to come on board and work together with the local authority to produce food that is of quality.
“In as much as these milling companies would want to maximize their profits, they must also take into consideration the people’s nutritional and health needs,” he added.