Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) has raised concern over increasing food safety risks in the marketplace and said consumers continue to be exposed to expired products, poor storage conditions and unhygienic food handling practices.
In a statement to mark World Food Safety Day 2026 on Monday, CCZ called for stronger enforcement of food safety regulations and greater accountability across the food supply chain to protect public health.
The commemoration was held under the theme, “From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere.”
CCZ said it continues to receive complaints from consumers regarding unsafe food products and practices in both formal and informal markets.
“These include expired products on shelves, poor storage conditions, inadequate hygiene in food handling environments, and misleading or incomplete product labelling,” read the statement.
The consumer watchdog said such practices pose serious risks to consumers and undermine confidence in the country’s food systems.
CCZ said ensuring food safety was a collective responsibility requiring the involvement of Government institutions, local authorities, producers, retailers, enforcement agencies and consumers.
“This year’s theme challenges all stakeholders to move beyond acknowledging food safety challenges and instead focus on practical, coordinated, and sustainable solutions that ensure safe food is accessible to all, everywhere and at all times,” read the statement.
The organisation urged authorities to strengthen food inspections and regulatory enforcement, and to enhance compliance with food safety standards among food business operators.
It also called for improved coordination among regulators, local authorities, and consumer protection institutions, as well as increased investment in laboratory testing, surveillance systems, and risk-based inspections.
“Science-based food safety systems must remain at the centre of these efforts. Evidence, data and risk assessment should guide interventions to ensure that food safety controls are not only responsive, but preventive and effective,” read the statement.
The council said consumers also had a critical role to play in safeguarding food safety by checking expiry dates, inspecting product packaging and reporting unsafe products to the relevant authorities.
“An informed and empowered consumer is a key line of defence in food safety,” reads the statement.
CCZ pledged to continue monitoring the marketplace and engaging relevant authorities to ensure unsafe food products are removed from circulation.
The organisation said achieving safe food for all Zimbabweans required collaboration among all stakeholders.
“No single institution can achieve food safety alone. It requires coordinated action, shared responsibility, and sustained commitment from all stakeholders,” reads the statement.
CCZ urged all actors in the food system to transform food safety challenges into practical solutions that protect consumers and strengthen public trust.
