By A Correspondent
Illegally imported goods, including soft drinks, detergents, and baby formula — some containing harmful substances — have inundated the Zimbabwean market, posing a severe risk to both public health and the economy.
A recent market survey conducted by the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has revealed a concerning prevalence of smuggled products, many of which are believed to contain toxic additives, harmful pathogens, and expired or spoiled ingredients. The authorities have raised alarms, warning that these counterfeit goods could cause foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, and long-term health complications.
The surge in these illicit products is attributed to weak border controls and the growing demand for affordable alternatives. Small retail shops, particularly in areas like Mbare and downtown Harare, have been identified as hotspots where unscrupulous traders repackage substandard goods to deceive consumers.
Among the counterfeit items discovered during the CPC’s inspection were low-quality rice being falsely marketed as premium Mahatma rice, and fake Mazoe orange juice smuggled in from Zambia. In addition, counterfeit Mama’s Tomato Sauce was found in significant quantities. Many of the fake products were labelled in foreign languages, leaving consumers without essential information regarding safety or proper use.
These actions violate consumer protection laws and have raised concerns among authorities.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Mr. Kudakwashe Mudereri, the CPC’s Research and Public Affairs Manager, explained that the commission had been monitoring the situation through market surveillance and intelligence gathering, anticipating a crackdown on smuggling. “We focused on the rising issue of smuggled, counterfeit, and substandard goods in the market,” he said. “We observed a significant influx of products from Zambia, South Africa, and Mozambique, including soft drinks, sugar, flour, infant formula, and detergents.”
Mudereri also noted an increase in the number of counterfeit electrical goods, gas tanks, and solar panels circulating in the market.
The influx of counterfeit foodstuffs, he added, presents a serious health risk. “These products often contain harmful chemicals, pathogens, and spoiled ingredients, which can lead to foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, and long-term chronic health conditions,” Mudereri warned.