BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has strongly warned the public, manufacturers, distributors, marketers, and all stakeholders against the unauthorised use of the Authority’s logo and name in advertising, packaging, promotional materials and on digital platforms.
This follows a recent incident involving the product “HUBABA,” which was confiscated by MCAZ inspectors and Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officials following a tip-off.
In a statement, MCAZ Director General Richard Rukwata said they had noted with “serious concern a growing trend in which individuals and companies falsely display the MCAZ logo and make misleading claims that their products are “approved”, “certified” or “registered” by MCAZ, without written authorisation.
“Such conduct is illegal, deceptive, and intended to mislead consumers into believing that unregistered products have undergone regulatory evaluation.”
Rukwata added that in the recent case, Hubaba which was manufactured and distributed by 3 Summer Investments, was unlawfully using MCAZ name and logo.
“MCAZ emphasises that the use of its logo is strictly controlled and may only be used with formal written approval from the Authority.
“Any use outside this framework constitutes an offence under the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act (MASCA) [Chapter 15.03] and related laws, and exposes offenders to prosecution and seizure of products.
“The Authority further warns that misuse of its identity poses a serious public health risk, as it undermines regulatory safeguards and may expose consumers to unsafe, substandard, or falsified medicines and health products.
“Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and to verify the registration status of medicines and allied substances through the Authority’s online register on the MCAZ website and other official MCAZ platforms.
“Any suspected abuse of the MCAZ logo or misleading claims of approval should be reported to the Authority immediately. MCAZ will not hesitate to take firm enforcement action against any person or entity found misusing its brand, name, logo, or regulatory authority,” added Rukwata.
MCAZ is responsible for protecting public and animal health by ensuring that accessible medicines, allied substances, and medical devices are safe, effective, and of good quality through enforcement and adherence to standards by manufacturers and distributors.
