The Zambia National Service – ZNS has dispelled assertions that the ZNS Eagles Mealie-Meal has some poisoning components (aflatoxins) which have caused some stomach upsets and death of dogs in the country.
Information has emerged indicating that there is a mealie meal brand currently sold on the market with toxic agent called Aflatoxin with some sources alleging that it is ZNS’ Eagles mealie meal which is the cheapest and fastest selling brand in stores.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, ZNS Chief of Marketing and Public Relations Colonel Mable Nyoni, has denied allegations stating that the Eagles brand has always been subjected to tests by the National Biosafety Authority.
“Is there any evidence that it’s the Eagles brand that has poisons and for the people that consumed it and are in hospitals?”
“Of course this cannot be true because there could have been so many people that could have been affected so if it’s true that our mealie meal is contaminated by this time we wouldn’t even be speaking because we also eat the same mealie meal.”
“So that’s why am asking that if there are people that have eaten our brand and they are in Hospital and they can also point that I bought this and from this shop which sales Eagles brand then we can make a follow up with the relevant authorities that are responsible for biosafety.”
Asked who normally tests the Eagles Mealie-Meal before it is offloaded on the market, Nyoni said there is the National Biosafety Authority on Board and “we also do our own test from time to time so we also take to different laboratories for our own independent tests from time to time.”
Meanwhile, Nyoni reiterated that ZNS purchases maize from the Food Reserve Agency- FRA and the Local farmers for the production of mealie mealie. She Clarified that ZNS is importing mealie meal but not for local consumption.
“For me as of today there is nothing wrong with Eagles Brand we do have scheduled testings that we do privately and also the National Biosafety is also on Board.”
Asked on how often are tests conducted Nyoni said, “they are scheduled in a month we do about twice it’s a must so I will be interested if there any people that are affected will be interested to know that and find out.”
