Malawi Bureau of Standard (MBS) has with immediate effect banned sell and importation of Frozy soft drinks, saying the product has failed to meet its required standard.
This has been confirmed in a statement made available to FaceofMalawi signed by MBS Director General Mr. Chokazinga.
Chokazinga has since advised Malawians to desist from buying and consuming the product forthwith until the MBS verifies through further conformance assessments.
“The MBS would like to inform the general public that through its conformance assessments conducted under the Import Quality Monitoring Scheme (IQMS) on imported products, it has objectively established that Frozy soft drinks are failing to conform with requirements of relevant Malawi Standards, MS 18-Carbonated soft drinks specification and MS 19-Labeling standard for prepackaged foods.
“Conformance assessment results on Frozy soft drinks have given high levels of citric acid, in the range of 2240 to 5376 mg/kg (against 3000mg/kg max. specification) and sodium benzoates, in the range of 3248 to 4256 mg/kg (against 1000mg/kg max. specification). Furthermore, the products have some information provided in Portuguese language contrary to MS 19 labeling requirements,” reads the statement in part.
He added: “Following failure of Frozy soft drinks to conform with the applicable specifications and in accordance with the Imports Regulations of the MBS Act (Cap 51:02), the MBS is hereby advising importers, distributors, sellers and the general public that this product is substandard and that its importation distribution, sell and use is prohibited until further notice.”
Chokazinga has further requested importers, distributors or sellers of the product to openly declare to the MBS quantities of Frozy drinks currently in their custody.
“In accordance with section 39 of the MBS Act (Cap 51:02), importers, distributors or sellers of the product, are requested to openly declare to the MBS quantities of Frozy drinks currently in their custody and agree on appropriate handling and disposal procedures with immediate effect.
“Further to the foregoing, the MBS is advising the general public that it will conduct sweeping exercises through its market surveillance activities in due course to ensure that the product is removed from the market. Anyone found stocking, distributing or selling the product after this notice shall be penalized and prosecuted in accordance with section 44 of the MBS Act (Cap 51:02),” he added.
