CONSUMERS CAUTIONED AGAINST UNREGULATED DRINKS

 

The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency-ZCSA is urging consumers to stop consuming unregulated beverages whose safety has not been ascertained.

This follows reports of deaths in Southern Province last week where some people consumed suspected homemade beer called chijabi allegedly made using methylated spirit, tablets and shoe polish among others.

ZCSA Acting Manager – Communications and Public Relations Brian Hatyoka says consumers should contribute to safeguarding their health by only consuming regulated drinks available on the market.

Mr. Hatyoka says consumption of a product containing methylated spirit can cause damage to many body organs such as kidneys, heart and eyes adding that this can cause unconsciousness and death while consumption of shoe polish may cause belly ache, diarrhoea and difficulties in breathing.

He says ZCSA has taken keen interest in the matter and is currently collaborating with other state institutions to investigate the case.

PHOENIX NEWS