On 20th May 2021, CFTC commenced investigations against Shoprite Trading Limited on allegations of supplying a product likely to cause injury or physical harm to consumers. This followed communication the Commission received from Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS).
On 25th February 2021, MBS registered a complaint that a milk scone purchased from the Respondent had a cockroach embedded inside.
Investigations done by MBS at the Respondent’s production unit confirmed the presence of cockroaches in the processing areas as well as in some appliances of the unit. Further, the refuse bin in the processing areas was open contrary to mandatory hygiene standards.
CFTC investigated the matter under section 43(1)(e) of the CFTA and found that the Respondent engaged in the supply of a product likely to cause injury to health or physical harm to a consumer, when properly used, or which does not comply with consumer safety standards.
The Commission deliberated over the matter and noted that the conduct by the Respondent was in contravention of section 43(1)(e) of the CFTA.
Following deliberations, the Commission ordered the Respondent to pay a fine of Five Hundred Thousand Malawi Kwacha (MK500,000.00).