The Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) has hailed the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) for its decisive action in destroying flavours intended for the production of fizzy and energy drinks, some of which were expired, while others had their expiry dates tampered with.
The MBS, in collaboration with the Lilongwe City Council, recently destroyed 2,000 litres of expired food flavours, which were part of the 583 twenty-litre gallons confiscated from Zamm Investments in Lilongwe.
MHEN Executive Director George Jobe described the operation as a critical move in protecting public health and maintaining consumer confidence.
“MHEN commends the Malawi Bureau of Standards for upholding its mandate to protect Malawians from unsafe products. This sends a clear message that public health and consumer safety must always come first,” said Jobe.
The network has also called on manufacturers to strengthen internal controls and ensure that raw materials meet required safety standards. Local authorities have been urged to continue collaborating with MBS to monitor production and storage facilities.
Jobe further appealed to consumers and non-compliant companies to report any suspicious products or tampered expiry dates to the relevant authorities.
MHEN is an alliance of over 100 Civil Society Organizations working to promote equitable access to quality, affordable, and responsive health services in the country.
