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Your Money, Your Call
Cresencia Marjorie Chiremba
IN our previous article, I discussed the worrying food safety issues in Mbare.
This week, I am responding to a reader’s request to examine the broader topic of food regulation in Zimbabwe. I will focus on the shortcomings of our current regulatory framework and the urgent need for reform.
The country’s food regulation is governed by various laws, such as the Food and Food Standards Act; the Public Health Act; and the Control of Goods Act. However, enforcement of these laws remains minimal due to limited resources and fragmented responsibilities among different authorities. This has led to a regulatory environment where compliance is often voluntary and enforcement inconsistent.
The voluntary nature of our food standards allows many food outlets to bypass essential safety checks, putting consumers at risk.
This lack of mandatory compliance has led to a proliferation of substandard food products, some of which are prepared under unsanitary conditions. These substandard products pose significant health risks to the public.
The ongoing practices in Mbare are a stark reminder of the consequences that can arise from inadequate food regulation.
There is need for stronger regulation, for instance, mandatory standards.
The lack of compulsion on standards means many food outlets can skip critical checks. Making local standards mandatory would ensure that all food products made available on the market meet minimum safety and quality requirements.
Our regulatory bodies need more authority and resources to enforce food safety laws effectively.
This includes the ability to conduct regular inspections, impose penalties and take swift action against violators. Strengthening these bodies would deter non-compliance and promote a culture of accountability among food producers and retailers.
All food outlets are required to register and obtain approval from regulatory bodies before distributing their products.
This ensures that only those who meet stringent safety and quality standards can operate, thereby protecting consumers from potentially harmful products.
The Consumer Protection Act of Zimbabwe, enacted in 2019, provides a legal framework to protect consumers from unsafe and substandard goods.
According to the Act, goods, including food items, must meet certain safety and quality standards.
The Consumer Protection Commission is empowered to oversee and enforce these standards, ensuring that consumers are not exposed to hazardous products.
Implementing and enforcing the above measures would have several benefits for consumers, including improved food safety, increased confidence and enhanced public health protection.
With mandatory standards and rigorous enforcement, consumers can be assured that the food they purchase is safe, is of high quality and will not harm their health.
Knowing that regulatory bodies are actively monitoring and enforcing safety laws would boost consumer confidence in food supply. Stronger regulation would reduce cases of foodborne diseases, leading to better overall public health outcomes.
On the other hand, consumers must also play a key role in protecting their pockets and health when it comes to food.
They should avoid buying food from the streets, especially the one prepared by unregistered entities.
A common sight in many areas during lunchtime is that of people buying food sold from car boots. While these home-cooked meals may be convenient and appealing, the environment in which they are prepared is not regulated by the authorities.
This lack of oversight means, if you fall ill from consuming such food, there is no formal channel to report the case, leaving you to bear the consequences alone. This highlights the importance of purchasing food from regulated and approved outlets to ensure safety and accountability.
Cresencia Marjorie Chiremba is a marketing consultant with a strong passion for customer service/experience. For comments, suggestions and training, she can be reached at: [email protected] or at +263712979461, 0719978335, 0772978335, www.customersuccess.co.zw
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