….. suspected to be counterfeit in Kasama
The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has quarantined 182 x 50 kilogram (kg) bags of different fertilizer brands suspected to be counterfeit and poorly labelled in Kasama valued at approximately K113, 300.
ZCSA head of communications Brian Hatyoka says the Agency has quarantined 122 x 50 kg bags of Yora Mila, Green Co (NPK) and Super Fert fertilizers in a truck parked at the Police Station in Kasama.
“Further, the Agency has quarantined 60 x 50 kg bags of Gavilon D Compound fertilizers at the premises of Mutalisa General Dealers. In both cases, the Agency has taken samples of the quarantined products for laboratory tests before further action can be taken,” he said.
“The Agency is also investigating cases of illegal repackaging and mixing of fertilizer with unknown substances with a view of deceiving consumers on the Zambian market in Luwingu District of Northern Province. This tendency of cheating especially on chemical fertilizers is contrary to the provisions of the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017.”
Mr Hatyoka said lately, the Agency has received many reports of some traders illegally repackaging and mixing chemical fertilizers with substances such as sand and other unknown substances in Lusaka, Copperbelt, Eastern and Northern Provinces, among other parts of the country.
“ZCSA regulates fertilizer by administering the following compulsory standards: ZS 327 Blended (physical mixture) Fertilizers
ZS 431 Compound Fertilizers
ZS 605 Fertilizers – Urea ZS 606 Fertilizers – Ammonia Nitrate ZS 607 Fertilizers- Calcium Ammonia Nitrate
ZS 608 Fertilizers- Ammonia Sulphate,” he added.
“The Agency is therefore warning traders and firms to avoid supplying chemical products that may harm consumers and the environment. The Agency will not hesitate to seize such products from erring traders and prosecute the culprits for adulterating the commodity on the market. Illegal repackaging and mixing of fertilizer with unknown substances has the potential of compromising the nation’s food security as fertilizer is a product of economic importance.”
He further urged farmers to buy fertilizer only from reputable suppliers and report suppliers of fertilizer who are involved in suspicious repackaging and mixing of the commodity to the nearest Agency office or other law enforcement agencies.
Mr Hatyoka indicated that the Agency is committed to ensuring that fertilizer is supplied in compliance with compulsory standards in a quest to protect consumers and the environment.
“As a regulator of compulsory standards, ZCSA will continue ensuring that products covered by compulsory standards continue to comply with appropriate requirements. ZCSA, which has offices in all provincial centres and major border entry points to Zambia, is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry. The Agency was established by the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017 to administer, maintain and enforce compulsory standards for the purpose of public safety, health, consumer and environmental protection,” he concluded.