By Maria Tembo, Kasungu
Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) has quarantined 600 bags of fertiliser belonging to Makonde Wholesale in Kasungu District over quality and labelling concerns.
Senior Quality Monitoring Officer for MBS, Donnex Msowoya, said the fertiliser was being sold by the shop after being sourced from Florino Watissone in Mozambique.
Msowoya explained that fertiliser imported into Malawi is required to comply with national standards, including proper labelling and undergoing mandatory pre-shipment sampling before being allowed onto the local market.
He said inspections revealed that the fertiliser was poorly labelled, noting that products sold in Malawi are required to have clear labels written in either English or Chichewa to enable users to understand the contents, usage instructions and safety information.
Msowoya added that the fertiliser did not undergo the required pre-shipment sampling process, prompting MBS to quarantine the consignment for further investigations and laboratory testing.
As a result, Makonde Wholesale was fined K500,000, which Msowoya confirmed has already been paid.
However, he emphasised that the shop will not be allowed to continue selling the fertiliser until MBS completes tests to determine whether the product meets required standards and is safe and suitable for use in Malawi.
Msowoya further warned traders against importing and selling regulated products without adhering to national quality standards, saying MBS will continue conducting inspections to protect farmers and consumers.
