By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) has seized a consignment of illicit liquor at Mkando Trading Centre in Mulanje District following a tip-off from concerned community members.
Acting swiftly on the information, MBS officials raided the premises and discovered that the liquor had been illegally manufactured without regulatory approval.
According to MBS Communications Manager, Monica Khombe, the businessman behind the operation, Jons Movirikana, had been producing the liquor without obtaining the necessary certification from the bureau.
More alarmingly, he was using non-food grade ethanol as a primary ingredient, raising serious public health concerns.
The liquor was also packaged in five-litre plastic bottles, which is a direct violation of product standards on packaging.
Khombe emphasized that spirit liquor must be packaged in clear glass bottles, as mandated by regulatory requirements.
The use of plastic containers not only compromises the safety of consumers but also violates the guidelines set to ensure quality and compliance within the industry.
Following the enforcement action, Movirikana has been ordered to pay a fine of K2.7 million for breaching the stipulated production and packaging standards.
Authorities have warned that further legal consequences may follow should he fail to comply with the country’s manufacturing regulations.
This operation underscores the role of vigilant community members in combating the illegal production of potentially harmful products.
MBS continues to urge the public to report any suspicious manufacturing activities, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring consumer safety and maintaining high-quality standards in Malawi’s beverage industry.
