ZCSA Warns Zambians Against Cheap Spirits
The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has urged consumers to put their health and safety ahead of low prices when purchasing alcoholic beverages, particularly cheap spirits commonly known as Tujilijili or Junta.
The warning comes amid continued concerns over the availability of illicit and potentially non-compliant alcoholic products on the Zambian market.
ZCSA says consumers should not allow the lower prices of such products to influence purchasing decisions where the safety, quality and authenticity of the beverage cannot be established.
Small bottles replace banned sachets
Zambia banned the sale of alcoholic beverages in 30ml plastic sachets in 2012 through Statutory Instrument No. 23 of 2012.
However, manufacturers and distributors reportedly adapted by moving some of these products into small bottles, typically ranging from 200ml to 250ml. Some products are also believed to enter the country through informal or illegal cross-border trade.
Concerns have particularly focused on spirits with alcohol concentrations of more than 40 percent, levels comparable to stronger beverages such as vodka and whisky.
Despite their high alcohol content, some of the products are sold at significantly lower prices than regulated alcoholic beverages.
ZCSA urges consumers to read labels
ZCSA Communication and Public Relations Manager Brian Hatyoka said consumers should consider the potential consequences of purchasing unsafe products rather than focusing solely on affordability.
He encouraged members of the public to carefully examine product labels before making purchases and to ensure that packaging and other identifying information appear genuine and intact.
Hatyoka also warned consumers against purchasing alcoholic products where important information is presented only in a language they cannot understand.
“If it is in foreign language, do not buy the products, especially the potable spirits,” he cautioned.
According to the agency, consumers need to understand what they are purchasing, particularly when it comes to products intended for human consumption.
Cheap alcohol can carry hidden risks
The continued demand for inexpensive illicit spirits has been linked to their affordability, with some consumers choosing them over regulated alternatives to reduce spending.
ZCSA, however, maintains that saving money should not come at the expense of personal health.
Hatyoka said consumers should recognise that the financial benefit of buying cheaper alcohol could be outweighed by the consequences of consuming a product whose quality and safety have not been established.
The agency is therefore encouraging consumers to make purchasing decisions based on product safety and compliance rather than price alone.
Public urged to report suspicious products
ZCSA has also called on consumers to report potentially unsafe or suspicious alcoholic beverages to the agency.
Warning signs may include unusual smells, damaged or compromised packaging, unclear labels or missing product information.
Members of the public who encounter such products are encouraged to report them to their nearest ZCSA office so that the agency can investigate and take appropriate action.
The agency says it will continue working to remove non-compliant products from the market, but stressed that consumers also play an important role in identifying and reporting potentially unsafe goods.
Health should come before savings
The latest warning highlights the importance of consumer awareness in controlling the circulation of illicit alcoholic products.
While affordable products may be attractive to consumers facing financial pressure, ZCSA says price should never be the primary consideration when purchasing products that can directly affect health.
The agency is consequently urging Zambians to check labels, inspect packaging and avoid alcoholic beverages whose origin, contents or safety cannot be verified.
