The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has called on consumers to be vigilant when buying the different beverages of their choice during this season.

The hot season is here again and daytime temperatures are soaring as high as thirty degrees Celsius bringing about a natural desire for consumers and the public at large to quench their thirst by taking water or drinks of different types, alcoholic and non-alcoholic alike.

Agency Spokesperson Lee Haamunji tells Money FM News that this is the time when different types of bottled water and fruit flavoured drinks being sold on the market due to high demand.

“This is because the demand for these products is higher during the hot season as compared to the cold season. As such several brands of bottled or packaged water and fruit flavoured drinks will manifest their presence on the market in a bid to catch as many “thirsty” consumers as possible,” said Mr. Haamunji.

He adds that there is therefore great need for consumers to desist from buying unlabeled packaged water, fruit flavoured drinks and other beverages in order to safeguard their own health.

“According to the Zambian Standard ZS 033, all products, including packaged water and drinks must be labeled in English as a minimum, being the official language for the country, so that consumers can make informed choices before they make a purchase”, he said.

Mr. Haamunji states that product labelling is becoming synonymous with consumer protection.

He emphasizes that the safety of unlabeled bottled water and drinks cannot be assured and as such ZCSA will continue carrying out its inspections to ensure that these and other products are safe for human consumption.