UNBS cautions public on expired, underweight essential goods
Drake Nyamugabwa
Uganda Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has cautioned the general public to remain vigilant regarding the sale of expired goods in retail, wholesale, and supermarkets. The standards body has also warned the public on underweight essential commodities that continue on the market.
The UNBS Head of Communication, Ms Sylvia Kirabo, during a press conference held on 15th July 2024 in Naguru emphasized the importance of reporting any altered expiry dates to the authorities.
This fraudulent activity according to Kirabo poses significant health risks to consumers and is a serious violation of consumer protection laws. She assured the public that it is taking stringent measures to address these issues including routine inspections, market surveillance, and stringent enforcement of standards to protect consumers from substandard and potentially harmful products
“Several businesspersons are currently under investigation for these malpractices,” she said
On the issue of underweight products, Kirabo highlighted several other concerns regarding product standards and safety adding that many goods on the market lack the distinctive UNBS certification marks, which signify compliance with national standards.
“In the process of transportation and dispatch, business people often open the products and repackage them, resulting in underweight products being sold to consumers The absence of these marks is a clear indicator that these products may not meet the required safety and quality standards,” she said
UNBS Senior Inspector, Mr. Kitimbo Lawrence, shared about different aspects of the Weights and Measures Act with the public.
UNBS is currently hosting delegates from COMESA who are accessing our state-of-the-art laboratories for mycotoxin and microbiology analysis, as well as recognition as COMESA satellite laboratories for heavy metals and veterinary drug residues analysis.
