MSB probes BT poultry, bakery industries
Malawi Bureau of Standards (MSB) is investigating some poultry and baking firms operating in Blantyre on allegations that they have been selling substandard and rotten products on the market.
For some time now, some traders plying their trade in Blantyre markets such as Kachere, Limbe and Makhetha have been selling cheap poultry, meat and bakery products.
MBS has established that they are wastes from the production processes of some factories in and around these markets.
Business News has established that most of these products are being sold alongside roads in the evening, with eggs selling at as low as K30, down from the normal price of K100.
On the other hand, chicken pieces are being sold at as low as K50 a piece.
The target market for the product has mostly been low-income earners, putting their lives at risk.
MBS chief executive officer Davlin Chokazinga said in an interview they have warned companies suspected to be engaging in the malpractice to stop or risk being prosecuted.
Said Chokazinga: “It is difficult to disclose the companies now, but we have already warned them because we believe it is their responsibility to take these products off the market.”
One of the traders of chicken pieces at Limbe Market, who did not want to be named, said they buy the chickens ghat a low price from companies within the city.
It is yet to be seen if MBS and Blantyre City Council (BCC) will take action on the culprits any time soon as the traders seem to be gaining momentum.
Meanwhile, MBS is yet to take action on an illegal cooking oil manufacturing firm in Limbe.
BCC public relations manager Anthony Kasundu was not immediately available to comment on the action they will take on traders of rotten chicken pieces and food stuffs. n
