Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has warned traders and consumers against the sale and consumption of used undergarments as well as unregulated potable spirits, citing serious health risks associated with such products.
Speaking during a roadshow at Mukuyu Tree-Green Market in Kabwe, ZCSA Manager-Communications and Public Relations, Brian Hatyoka said the Agency was intensifying public sensitization efforts to promote compliance with compulsory standards and safeguard consumer health.
During the National Open Market Surveillance conducted in the fourth quarter of 2025, ZCSA withdrew from the market non-compliant products valued at K38,149, in Central Province out of the total value of K440, 645.89 of withdrawn non-compliant products in 10 provinces of Zambia.
According to Mr. Hatyoka, Central Province recorded the highest number of non-compliant products during the same period. The non-compliant products were expired, banned, unregistered and poorly labelled, among other reasons.
He stated that the Kabwe roadshow specifically aimed to sensitize the public on the dangers associated with used undergarments and unregistered potable spirits.
“In 2006, the Zambian Government declared the Zambian Standard for used textile products compulsory through Statutory Instrument No. 120 of 2006. This compulsory standard prohibits the importation and sale of used textile products containing undergarments such as pyjamas, night gowns, underwear, bras, camisoles and vests,” he explained.
Mr. Hatyoka further explained that the measure was introduced to protect consumers from potential health risks linked to garments worn in close contact with the skin.
“Used textile products that are worn in very close contact with the skin may cause ailments such as skin rash, fungal infections and sexually transmitted diseases. Consumers must buy new underwear on the market to safeguard their health,” Mr. Hatyoka emphasized.
He also raised concern over the illegal production and sale of unregulated alcoholic beverages.
“Illegal production and sale of unregulated potable spirits, which often exceed the safe alcohol content threshold between 34 and 55 percent, can cause severe health complications including blindness, deafness and even death,” he said.
Mr. Hatyoka further cited reported deaths in Kalomo District in Southern Province last year linked to the consumption of suspected illicit beer allegedly made from substances such as methylated spirit, fertilizer and tyre mending solution.
He urged consumers to purchase alcoholic beverages only from trusted and regulated suppliers and called on manufacturers, importers and suppliers to obtain approval from ZCSA before introducing potable spirits onto the market.
Mr. Hatyoka also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious products to ZCSA offices for enforcement action.
He further urged producers, importers and suppliers to work closely with ZCSA to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and improve access to both local and international markets, while encouraging consumers to develop a habit of reading labels on the products they consume to protect themselves from unsafe commodities.
