CHILILABOMBWE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL DISPOSES OF 300 BOXES OF ROTTEN FISH
Chililabombwe, 7th March 2026
The Chililabombwe Municipal Council, through its Department of Public Health, has disposed of 300 boxes (8.5kg each) of decomposed fish out of the 2,600 boxes that were found in a truck destined for Kasumbalesa.
The destroyed food items failed to comply with the Food Safety Act No. 7 of 2019. The truck in question was first noticed by Council officers on 27th February 2026 after maggots were observed underneath the vehicle while it was parked along the T3 Road.
Chililabombwe Municipal Council Chief Health Inspector Mr. Emmanuel Kasongo explained that following the suspicion, the truck bearing registration number HZ 56 WC GP was immediately detained.
The Local Authority, working together with relevant stakeholders including the Zambia Revenue Authority, Zambia Police Service, and the Court, conducted a joint inspection which led to the discovery that part of the consignment had decomposed food products.
Following the inspection, 300 boxes of the fish were condemned and safely disposed off in accordance with public health regulations. The Local Authority has since penalized the transporter, as part of efforts to ensure that food meant for human consumption is safe and fit for consumption.
Mr. Kasongo has further appealed to businesses dealing in cold storage facilities and perishable commodities to promptly seek assistance from relevant authorities whenever they encounter challenges that may compromise food safety. He noted that the situation affecting the transporter is believed to have arisen due to a disruption in the cold storage system during transportation.
Chililabombwe Municipal Council remains committed to taking all necessary measures to safeguard public health and ensure food safety for all residents.
