• The entity has been manufacturing beverages without adhering to the laws of the country.
• Some of the infringed laws are the Compulsory Standards Act No.3 of 2017, and Public Health Act Cap 295 of the laws of Zambia.
• During the search, there was no evidence of occupation certificates, and change of land use from residential to commercial.
Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency, Zambia Metrology Agency and Lusaka City Council have warned of stern action against entities that are manufacturing beverages and other products without complying with the prescribed laws.
The warning follows a search conducted at JBJ Enterprises of Kalikiliki area on Monday in the company of State and Council police officers where it was discovered that the entity has been manufacturing beverages without adhering to the laws of the country.
This is after a Whistleblower circulated a video indicating that the said firm was manufacturing beverages under unsanitary conditions.
Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency Head of Communication Brian Hatyoka, explained that during the search, there was no evidence of occupation certificates, change of land use from residential to commercial, health permit, liquor license and waste subscription, while the entity had misleading labeling on its products.
Mr. Hatyoka stated that the officers seized some beverages such as Standard Ginger Power, Booster Energy Drink, VUKA kawawasha drink and Nice Power drink, among others, for further laboratory analysis.
“Some of the infringed laws are the Compulsory Standards Act No.3 of 2017, Public Health Act Cap 295 of the laws of Zambia, Food Safety Act No. 7 of 2019, and Urban and Regional Planning Act No. 3 of 2015. At the time of the visit, the owner of the premises John Karenzo was reportedly on the way to Lusaka City Council to explain his side of the story following the circulation of a video.”
“Some packaging materials had expiry dates before the final products were packaged while other products had two different expiry dates on the same product. Further, some products were bearing names of different producers besides JBJ Enterprises,” Mr. Hatyoka stated.
He added that such products whose safety has not been ascertained may pose a risk to public safety and health, therefore the authorities will continue conducting enforcement activities in a bid to ensure only safe products are allowed on the market.
“Consumers are also urged to buy products from reputable sources and report any suspicious products to authorities like the Whistleblower in this matter,” he added.
