Food safety in Zambia is a critical public health and economic priority, especially as the country’s food systems expand to accommodate population growth, urbanisation, and increased regional trade. Ensuring that food reaching consumers is safe, wholesome, and compliant with national standards is essential for reducing foodborne illnesses, maintaining consumer confidence, and supporting economic development. However, Zambia’s food safety system remains largely fragmented, with regulatory roles spread across multiple ministries and agencies, resulting in overlaps, gaps, and inconsistent enforcement.
The Food and Drugs Act (Cap 303) forms the core legal framework for regulating the safety, quality, and labeling of food products in Zambia, and it is administered by the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA). This law governs the registration of food products, manufacturing practices, food packaging, additives, and the prohibition of adulterated or unsafe foods. Complementing this is the Public Health Act (Cap 295), which provides the Ministry of Health with authority to regulate hygiene conditions, sanitary practices, and foodborne disease control within food premises and public environments. Local authorities, empowered by the Local Government Act, play a significant role by licensing food premises, inspecting markets and restaurants, and training and certifying food handlers to ensure compliance with hygiene standards at the community level.
In addition to these institutions, the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) is responsible for developing, reviewing, and enforcing national food and quality standards, while the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) undertakes market surveillance and border control to ensure imported and locally produced foods meet mandatory standards. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) contributes by safeguarding consumers from unsafe products and deceptive labeling practices, working jointly with other agencies during inspections. Furthermore, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and the Ministry of Agriculture oversee food safety for animal and plant products, respectively, including veterinary control, pesticide use, and production-level safety.
Despite this comprehensive legal and institutional framework, the regulatory environment faces significant challenges. Fragmentation of roles among the various institutions often leads to duplication of efforts, unclear mandates, and weak coordination. Limited inspection capacity, inadequate laboratory infrastructure, and constrained resources further hinder effective enforcement. Foodborne disease surveillance systems remain weak, often failing to capture the full extent of outbreaks, while traceability mechanisms in the food supply chain are underdeveloped. Additionally, a large informal food sector including open markets and street vendors operates with minimal oversight, increasing the risk of contamination and unsafe handling practices. Low levels of consumer awareness also contribute to limited demand for safe and properly labeled food products.
To strengthen the system, stakeholders have increasingly advocated for the establishment of a centralized Food Safety Management Agency that would consolidate responsibilities and provide a unified approach to food control. Harmonizing existing laws, strengthening laboratory and inspection capacity, and enhancing inter-agency collaboration through joint inspections and data-sharing platforms are also crucial. Equally important is consumer education and public awareness on safe food handling, labeling, and hygiene practices.
Overall, Zambia’s food safety regulatory framework is built on a strong legislative foundation, but fragmentation, resource limitations, and gaps in enforcement weaken its effectiveness. Addressing these challenges through institutional reform, strengthened capacity, and improved coordination will be essential for ensuring a safer food system that protects consumers, promotes public health, and supports national economic goals.