MWE Correspondent
The Zanzibar Food and Drugs Agency (ZFDA) has confiscated over 1,232 kilogrammes of expired meat from a storage facility in Fuoni Ijitimai, Mjini Magharibi, following a routine inspection on Monday, December 22, 2025.
Officials said the move is part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and enforce food safety standards across the region.
During the inspection, ZFDA food inspector Dr Thamra Khamis Talib discovered a range of meat products, including chicken wings, whole chickens, chicken thighs, and beef, stored in non-original packaging with altered expiry dates — a practice strictly prohibited under food safety regulations. “Altering packaging and expiry dates is completely unacceptable. These actions put consumers at serious risk,” Dr Talib said.
The agency confirmed that all confiscated meat will remain in ZFDA custody until it is safely destroyed, preventing it from reaching the market. Dr Talib also warned that legal action will be taken against those responsible for violating food safety laws. “It is the responsibility of all food handlers and distributors to ensure that products meet safety standards before reaching the public,” she said.
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Consumer protection advocates welcomed the seizure, emphasizing that strict regulatory enforcement is essential to prevent incidents of food poisoning and to protect public health. The public is also encouraged to report any suspicious or unsafe food products to authorities immediately.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring compliance with food safety regulations in East Africa. Experts say regular inspections, proper storage practices, and transparent supply chains are critical to safeguarding consumers and maintaining public confidence in the food system.
Dr Talib stressed that the seizure reflects ZFDA’s mandate under the Zanzibar Food, Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which requires the agency to regulate, inspect, and certify all food and drug products. She urged businesses to maintain proper hygiene, storage conditions, and accurate labelling to ensure consumer safety.
“Food safety is a shared responsibility,” Dr Talib said. “Authorities, traders, and consumers must all play their part to prevent harm and ensure trust in the food we consume.”
