By BUUMBA CHIMBULU
THE Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has quarantined different fertiliser brands suspected to be counterfeit and poorly labelled in Kasama worth approximately K113, 300.
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The bags were weighing 182 x 50 kilogramme each.
ZCSA Head of Communications, Brian Hatyoka, said the agency had received many reports of some traders illegally repackaging and mixing chemical fertilizers with substances such as sand and other unknown substances.
He said in a statement issued yesterday that these reports were from Lusaka, Copperbelt, Eastern and Northern provinces, among other parts of the country.
Mr Hatyoka said these reports led to the agency quarantining 122 x 50 kg bags of Yora Mila, Green Co (NPK) and Super Fert fertilisers in a truck parked at the Police Station in Kasama.
He said the agency had therefore, quarantined 60 x 50 kg bags of Gavilon D Compound fertilisers 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.
“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,” he said.
Mr Hatyoka warned traders and firms to avoid supplying chemical products that may harm consumers and the environment.
He stressed that the agency would not hesitate to seize such products from erring traders and prosecute the culprits for adulterating the commodity on the market.
He regretted that illegal repackaging and mixing of fertiliser with unknown substances had the potential of compromising the nation’s food security as fertiliser was a product of economic importance.
“ZCSA is further urging farmers to buy fertilizer only from reputable suppliers and report suppliers of fertiliser who are involved in suspicious repackaging and mixing of the commodity to the nearest Agency office or other law enforcement agencies,” Mr Hatyoka said.
He also urged farmers to buy fertiliser only from reputable suppliers and report suppliers of the commodity who were involved in suspicious repackaging and mixing of the commodity to the nearest Agency office or other law enforcement agencies.
“The agency is committed to ensuring that fertiliser is supplied in compliance with compulsory standards in a quest to protect consumers and the environment,” Mr Hatyoka said.
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