The Congolese Control Office (OCC) recently took a drastic decision in Uvira, South Kivu province, by banning the entry of 2,021 bags of corn flour deemed spoiled. This measure follows the discovery of chemical residues harmful to human health in these bags of flour from Tanzania.
It is alarming to note that these products did not meet the essential quality and safety standards for human consumption. In addition, the expiry date of the flour bags was well past, which raises serious food safety concerns.
Zembezembe Byamungu, First Vice President of the Federation of Congolese Enterprises in Uvira, confirmed the absence of mention of the date of manufacture and the expiry date on these products. This omission highlights a flagrant lack of transparency and compliance with food packaging standards.
It is crucial to highlight the essential role of competent authorities, such as the Congolese Control Office, in protecting consumers from non-compliant and potentially dangerous products. Border control services played a crucial role in detecting this shipment of spoiled flour, illustrating the importance of collaboration between the different control bodies.
Faced with this situation, it is essential that strict measures are taken to prevent the marketing of non-compliant food products that are harmful to public health. Food safety is a major issue that cannot be compromised to the detriment of consumer health.
In conclusion, it is imperative that competent authorities ensure that only quality and safe food products can be marketed on the market. Consumer protection must be a top priority, and severe penalties must be applied to offenders to ensure the health and well-being of all.