Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) has warned consumers and business owners across the country regarding the influx of unidentified and smuggled products on the market.
The warning comes after the bureau shut down Dalitso General Supplies Shop located at Mchinji Boma for selling fertiliser that failed to provide labelling details of a manufacturing company and stocking fertiliser in a leaking warehouse.
The bureau, which is responsible for the quality and safety of products sold to consumers in Malawi, emphasised that proper labelling is crucial not only for consumer safety but also for tracking the origin of products in case of defects or recalls.
According to MBS Communication Officer Wazamazama Katatu, the absence of clear manufacturing details undermines the ability of the bureau to monitor the quality and authenticity of the product.
“Dalitso General Supplies has been closed for stocking fertilisers that had lacked some labelling details as per Malawi Standard Number 3 which provides guidelines on how labelling needs to be done on the products.
“At the same time, the warehouse where fertilisers were being kept is also not friendly because it is heavily leaking as you might have noticed moisture on the other side of the warehouse,” Katatu said.
Mamas Shoprite Manager, Abdul Rahman Chapunga, whose shop was also closed for an hour, applauded the bureau for the inspection and challenged MBS officials that he would cooperate with the bureau by ensuring that all products being sold are fully meeting the required standards.
“I can challenge you that you can come any time and you will never find these problems again. We have cleaned our fridge which is ready for use now,” Chapunga said.
Among others, MBS officials expressed concern over the growing number of counterfeit and unauthorised products that are brought in through uncharted routes and smuggling.
Following the MBS market surveillance in Mchinji, 11 shops were temporarily closed for an hour for hygiene issues while Dalitso General Supplies remained closed until the products complied with the bureaus standards.
