Nearly 50% of groceries confiscated from tuck shops and vending stalls in Zimbabwe during a nationwide crackdown on counterfeit and smuggled goods have been found to be fake and potentially hazardous to public health, according to Douglas Runyowa, the Chief Director for Commerce in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
Addressing the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce on Tuesday, Runyowa raised concerns over the increasing presence of counterfeit goods in the country, describing the situation as deeply alarming.
“Most of what we have observed in the informal sector is shocking. While these products may appear affordable, they pose serious health risks since their safety cannot be guaranteed. Many have not been certified by health authorities as fit for consumption,” he stated.
Among the confiscated counterfeit items are fake Vaseline, flour, rice, and toothpaste. Runyowa revealed that a recent study conducted in partnership with the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) found that half of the tested products failed to meet required safety and quality standards.
“We conducted a survey where we purchased various products from shelves and sent them for testing. The results showed that 50% of the items did not comply with safety standards, highlighting the widespread issue of counterfeit goods in circulation,” he said.
To address this crisis, authorities have intensified efforts to remove these unsafe products from the market. Runyowa noted that since October 2024, the government has been cracking down on smuggled and counterfeit goods, resulting in the destruction of four tonnes of confiscated items this week alone.
He urged Parliament and other stakeholders to support the fight against counterfeit products, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to safeguard public health and uphold industry standards.
The crackdown is expected to continue, as authorities seek to restore consumer confidence and ensure that products sold in Zimbabwe meet strict safety and quality regulations.
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