ZCSA Seizes K4,120 Worth of Expired Beer and Energy Drinks in Lusaka

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The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency has seized 143 bottles of expired alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages worth K4,120 from a trading outlet in Lusaka this week, acting on a tip-off from a whistleblower.

ZCSA said the seizure followed a report on Sunday indicating that a named outlet was selling expired clear beer and energy drinks in violation of Zambian Standards ZS 430 for Clear Beer and ZS 1134 for Energy Drinks, as well as the Compulsory Standards Act, Chapter 422 of the Laws of Zambia. The seized products comprised 35 bottles of Castle Lite, 36 of Black Label, 22 of Guinness, and 50 cans of Red Bull.

The non-compliant products remain in ZCSA custody awaiting disposal in line with the Compulsory Standards Act. The Agency described the withdrawal as a preventive regulatory measure aimed at protecting consumers from risks associated with products beyond their stated shelf life, and warned it would take punitive action against entities supplying non-compliant beverages and other products, saying such products pose a risk to public health and safety.

ZCSA Manager for Communications and Public Relations Brian Hatyoka urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious products to the nearest ZCSA office in provincial centres, border offices, its Lusaka head office, or through the Agency's online platforms. ZCSA, a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry established under the Compulsory Standards Act, said it has enhanced enforcement, public education and stakeholder engagement nationwide to ensure only safe products are traded on the Zambian market.