The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) in North Western Province has seized assorted goods from Pick n Pay, Kapiji Mall worth K 2,210 for failure to meet required retail standards.

According to statement by CCPC public relations officer Namukolo Kasumpa, the seizure followed a spot inspection conducted at the retail outlet which revealed that a number of items had defects among them, having no expiry dates, broken seals and insufficient labeling.

And CCPC Provincial Investigator, James Chalungumana has since expressed worry at the continued supply of expired and unsafe food products to consumers on the market especially that all the items seized were found on an isolated promotional markdown table for quick access by consumers.

“The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in collaboration with Solwezi Municipal Council in North Western Province has seized assorted goods in Pick n Pay Kapiji Mall collectively worth K 2, 210. The seizure followed a spot inspection conducted at the retail outlet recently. The seized items had defects and did not meet the minimum requirements for retail. Some of the defects on some of the products included, expired products, having no expiry dates, broken seals and insufficient labeling,” Kasumpa stated.

“Further, some products were poorly packaged which contravened consumer protection provisions as outlined in the Food and Drugs Act Cap 303 of the Laws of Zambia Act as well as the Competition and Consumer Protection Act No. 24 of 2010. The products seized included cosmetics, mayonnaise and assorted snacks.”

Meanwhile, Kasumpa stated that Provincial Investigator Chalungumana urged traders to stock products with a longer shelf life to avoid endangering the health of consumers and being prosecuted through the Courts of Law.

She stated that Chalungamana further urged consumers to be alert when purchasing promotional products to avoid purchasing expired goods.

“CCPC Provincial Investigator, James Chalungumana expressed worry at the continued supply of expired and unsafe food products to consumers on the market especially that all items seized were found on an isolated promotional markdown table usually meant for quick access by consumers. Mr Chalungumana urged traders to ensure that they stocked products with a longer shelf life in order not to endanger the health of consumers as well as avoid being prosecuted through the Courts of Law. He further urged consumers to be alert when purchasing promotional products as they may be nearing the end of their shelf life,” stated Kasumpa.