The National Inspection of Economic Activities (INAE), in coordination with Customs, intends to intensify the control of imported products from the points of entry into the country, to curb the consumption of improper foods.
The action stems from INAE’s concern over products sold on the market, some of which were recently seized by the institution.
Tomás Timba, the institution’s spokesman, said that the products seized in the current year show that there are still challenges in combating the consumption of unfit food.
“By seizing [the products] at the points of entry into the country, we will be preventing them from being distributed in the market. Thus, it is easier to prevent their consumption,” clarified the INAE spokesperson quoted by Notícias.
These foods, according to Timba, are not only bad for the health of the consumer but also compromise the development of national industry, because the tendency of illegals is to sell at low prices.
This year, for example, 600 bags of 50 kilograms each containing unfortified sugar were withdrawn from the market. Another 400 bags of the same product from Malawi were also seized.
“We have mapped the waters produced and marketed in the country. Of the 51 registered brands, we tested 41 samples and identified two that were unfit for consumption,” said Timba.
Unfortified cooking oil and maize flour were also withdrawn from the market and some vinegar production units were suspended.
