Consumer watchdog seizes expired food products in central Zambia

Authorities in central Zambia have seized expired food products from various traders after inspections conducted in three districts, the country's consumer watchdog said on Wednesday.

The expired products were seized after an inspection conducted in three districts in the province, according to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

Among the seized products include tomato sauces, buttercup margarine, soft drinks, biscuits and milk.

Brian Lingela, director of consumer protection at the consumer watchdog expressed concern over the continued supply of expired and unsafe food products on the market, especially in rural parts of the country and called for concerted efforts to stump out the vice.

"It remains the commission's concern that traders continue to supply expired food products with the potential to harm consumers," he said in an emailed statement.

He has since urged traders to desist from selling food products which have exceeded their lifespan as they risked being prosecuted.

Consumers have also been urged to take time and read and understand information provided on labels for various food products before making a purchae decision. Endit