HRDC criticizes MBS over product safety; bureau defends efforts

The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has expressed deep concern over what it describes as a “blatant and unforgivable negligence” by the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS).

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The coalition accuses MBS of failing to fulfill its mandate of protecting Malawians from substandard, expired, and unhygienic products, which have flooded retail outlets across the country.

This development follows the closure of major retail stores, including ShopRite, Ekhaya, and Sana, for stocking harmful and uncertified goods last week, an exercise which was carried out by the bureau.

In a statement, HRDC National Coordinator  Gift Trapence says the MBS’s negligence is a betrayal of public trust.

“This scenario underscores a catastrophic failure of oversight and a betrayal of public trust by an institution tasked with safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all Malawians.

“This disgraceful situation reveals not only MBS’s complacency but also a deep-rooted systemic failure to enforce even the most basic standards of safety and quality,” reads part of the statement.

HRDC has also highlighted the disproportionate risk faced by rural communities, where enforcement of product safety standards remains almost nonexistent.

“Millions of Malawians in rural areas are left vulnerable to harmful products, with no alternative shopping options or reliable information,” reads part of the statement.

The group has also demanded MBS to immediately start implementation of nationwide inspections to cover rural areas and protect all Malawians, strict accountability measures such as revoking licenses and imposing heavy penalties on businesses stocking unsafe products, a thorough internal audit to root out corruption and complicit officers within the bureau, and the establishment of a transparent system for regularly updating the public on inspection outcomes and actions taken to restore trust.

“It is unconscionable that these practices are only now coming to light. Public health is not a bargaining chip—it’s a basic human right,” reads the statement.

The HRDC has also called on Malawians to take collective action by boycotting businesses selling expired or uncertified products, reporting suspicious activities, and holding MBS accountable.

However, the MBS has strongly refuted HRDC claims, saying the bureau hasn’t betrayed public’s trust

MBS Public Relations Officer Wazamazama Katatu has told Nthanda Times in an interview that HRDC’s allegations lack accuracy and fail to acknowledge the bureau’s ongoing efforts.

According to Katatu, MBS conducts regular inspections, both scheduled and unscheduled, across the country, including in rural areas.

He clarified that the recent closures were part of ongoing efforts to enforce consumer protection standards.

“MBS has been conducting inspections across the country, both in cities and rural areas, for a long time. The recent operation may seem significant due to its extensive media coverage, but this does not mean it’s the first time we’ve acted within our mandate,” Katatu said.

He further explained that the bureau’s mandate extends beyond consumer protection to also facilitating trade.

Consequently, MBS prioritizes a corrective approach over punitive measures.

“We work with businesses to rectify non-compliance and only revoke licenses in extreme cases when no improvement is made,” he added.

Katatu also pointed out MBS’s recent partnership with MISA Malawi to enhance communication and transparency saying involving the media is now a strategic direction to ensure the public is aware of bureau’s activities.

While HRDC has called for tougher measures, Katatu emphasized the importance of supporting businesses to develop consistent quality control systems, ensuring they align with Malawi’s standards without prematurely shutting them down.

As HRDC has urged Malawians to hold businesses accountable by boycotting outlets that sell expired or uncertified products, MBS says it remains committed to safeguarding public health while balancing the need to promote sustainable trade.

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