By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) has closed one of the Sana shops located in Katoto, Mzuzu, after discovering that it was selling expired and damaged goods. The inspection revealed several irregularities that posed significant risks to public health and safety, leading to the immediate suspension of the shop’s operations.
During their inspection, MBS officials found various expired items on the shelves, including sausages, air fresheners, biscuits, and other consumables. The bureau also noted serious hygiene issues in the shop, particularly in areas where food products were stored, such as refrigerators and freezers.
A particularly concerning discovery was that some chicken products, which should have been returned to suppliers due to damage, were instead being kept under refrigerators in unsanitary conditions. The presence of such damaged goods raised alarms about the safety standards being upheld by the shop.
In addition to the damaged products, the inspection uncovered a lack of general cleanliness in certain areas of the shop, which violated MBS regulations. The bureau emphasized the critical importance of maintaining hygiene in places where food and other consumer goods are stored and sold.
Following the closure, MBS issued directives to the management of Sana to address all the identified issues before the shop could be allowed to reopen. These included removing all expired and damaged products from the premises, ensuring proper maintenance of refrigeration equipment, and implementing thorough cleaning measures to meet the required hygiene standards.
Speaking on the matter, MBS officials stressed the bureau’s commitment to safeguarding public health by ensuring that businesses comply with regulations. “Our duty is to protect consumers from harmful products and unsafe practices. Businesses must adhere to the set standards to avoid such penalties,” said an MBS representative.
The closure of the Sana shop in Mzuzu sends a strong message to all businesses in Malawi about the importance of compliance with health and safety standards. It also underscores the need for regular monitoring of goods and facilities to ensure that consumers are protected from unsafe products.
As the shop works to rectify its shortcomings, this incident serves as a reminder of the vital role of regulatory bodies like MBS in maintaining public trust and ensuring the safety of goods in the market.
- George Chaponda opposes MACRA’s plan to buy misinformation tracking device
- Comrade Edwards Kambanje denounces MACRA’s surveillance device expenditure
- Analysis of Former President Peter Mutharika’s address: A call for leadership and unity in Malawi’s upcoming elections
- Concerned Youth Organization empowers Blantyre youth with solar energy skills
- Four arrested for selling cannabis at Lizulu Market in Lilongwe
150
x150.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" />
