GOVERNMENT DEMYSTIFIES EAGLES MEALIE MEAL CONTAMINATION RUMORS

GOVERNMENT DEMYSTIFIES EAGLES MEALIE MEAL CONTAMINATION RUMORS

Government has challenged individuals making claims of aflatoxin contamination in Zambia National Service (ZNS) Eagles Mealie Meal to prove their claims.

Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, Mr Norman Chipakupaku said ZNS is eager and prepared to conduct thorough tests to confirm the safety and non-toxicity of its mealie meal for human consumption and that independent tests were welcome to verify the product’s safety.

Speaking during a fact-finding visit at ZNS Chongwe Milling Plant yesterday, accompanied by Information and Media Permanent Secretary Mr Thabo Kawana, the Defence Permanent Secretary cautioned against politicising the country’s staple food, stressing the need to protect its integrity.

Mr Chipakupaku vowed to take strong action against individuals who spread unsubstantiated lies about Eagle’s mealie meal, emphasizing the importance of fact-checking before sharing information.

“Let’s not play politics with our staple food. If anyone has concerns about the safety of ZNS Eagle’s mealie meal, we invite them to submit their claims,” Mr Chipakupaku said.

He noted that Eagles Mealie Meal is a vital source of nutrition for millions of Zambians, and any disruptions to its supply could have far-reaching consequences.

The Defence PS reassured the public of the safety of ZNS mealie meal, disclosing that he is a regular consumer of the product, which he purchases for his household.

Mr Chipakupaku said Government and ZNS in particular, is working tirelessly to ensure a steady supply of affordable mealie meal on the Zambian market and cautioned some individuals to refrain from malicious and unfounded criticism.

And Mr Kawana appealed for responsible use of social media to promote development and progress, rather than causing unnecessary alarm and panic among the nation.

He emphasized that the government, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, is dedicated to transparency and accountability, with no intention of hiding information from the citizens.

Mr Kawana said Government led by the Republican President and Commander- in- Chief of the Defence Force, Mr Hakainde Hichilema is committed to transparency and accountability and has nothing to conceal from the Zambian people.

“We can confirm that ZNS purchases high-quality maize with the recommended moisture content from the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), ensuring the production of nutritious and safe mealie meal for consumption,” he said.

Mr Kawana said Government will continue to monitor the situation closely and enforce regulatory measures to protect the health and safety of citizens and animals in order to ensure smooth facilitation of trade.

ZNS Chief of Public Relations and Liaison, Brigadier General Mable Mulenga-Nyone said ZNS will not be swayed by malicious allegations and will continue to support Government’s efforts to make the commodity accessible to all.

“Eagles mealie meal is not amongst the brands found to be contaminated. Our mealie meal is safe for human consumption and it is malicious for people to start alleging that our mealie meal is contaminated with aflatoxin even before anything is proven. This will not distract us as the Institution will continue serving the Zambian people and supporting the Government in its food security efforts,” Brig Gen Nyone said.

And Chief of ZNS Chongwe Milling Plant Colonel Simambwe Simambwe assured that the maize used for mealie meal production is sourced from FRA and meets all required standards which includes the recommended moisture content.

Adding that the same high-quality maize is also supplied to all allied millers, ensuring consistency and quality in mealie meal production.