On 9th April, 2024, the Secretariat of the Commission commenced investigations against ZAMM Investments on allegations of supplying products likely to cause injury or harm to consumers and unconscionable conduct. The investigations were instituted following findings by the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) that several batches of Cool Drop Mineral water (BTH277, BTH016, BTH253, BTH018 and BTH291) did not meet the stipulated Malawi Standards.
Additional complaints were also received from some consumers which indicated that some more batch numbers of the product had the same defects with some containing some visible white foreign objects.
Tests conducted by the MBS showed that the water was unfit for human consumption, and was thus recalled from the market. However, the Respondents did not conduct an effective recall of the products, to the effect that the products could still be found on the market in large volumes.
In view of the foregoing, it was established that the Respondents’ water was contaminated and had clearly visible foreign bodies that rendered the product unfit for human consumption.
After deliberations, the Commission referred the matter to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to institute criminal proceedings against the Respondents for failing to adhere to the previous Commission’s cease and desist orders and secondly for supplying products likely to cause injury or harm to consumers and unconscionable conduct in the supply of goods.