• The seized items had defects.
• They did not meet the mandatory product information standards.
• The Local authority also issued 12 closure notices to premises that did not have trading permits and other required documentations.

Siavonga Town Council Public Health Section has seized assorted goods worth K5, 000 in over 11 trading premises within the Central Business District and other surrounding areas.
Council Public Relations Officer Gwendolyn Mchenga revealed to Money FM News that the seized items had defects, therefore they did not meet the mandatory product information standards.
Ms. Mchenga explained that defects on the seized goods included expired products, insufficient labels, inappropriate packaging, unsealed products and expiry dates.
“The seized items include beverages, food stuffs among other items which had defects and did not therefore meet the mandatory product information standards. The activity was done in accordance with the Food Safety Act No.7 of 2019,” Ms. Mchenga said.
She added that the Local authority also issued 12 closure notices to premises that did not have trading permits and other required documentations.
“The inspected premises were Shops, Restaurants, Hotels and Lodges to ascertain if the said commodities were fit for human consumption and if some food were prepared in a conducive environment,” she added.
Ms. Mchenga warned suppliers, retailers and distributors to desist from selling unsuitable products which have exceeded or are close to their shelf life.
“Further, the Council wishes to advice members of the general public to develop a culture of checking for expiry dates before buying any goods especially food stuffs and beverages,” she stated.