Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Harare Bureau
CONSUMERS are being urged to be cautious when purchasing alcohol under a campaign that has been launched by distributors to tackle the growing problem of counterfeit liquor.
This initiative is meant to raise awareness among consumers. Counterfeit alcohol poses a serious threat to health.
In a recent statement, Bull Red Distribution, which is the official distributor of Jameson Irish Whiskey and Jägermeister in the country, said their campaign, dubbed “Buy Original”, seeks to highlight the dangers of counterfeit alcohol.
The company said the illicit products often lack proper safety standards and may contain methanol, unsafe levels of ethanol or toxic chemicals.
These substances can cause blindness, liver damage and even death.
“Consuming counterfeit alcohol is linked to methanol poisoning, nerve damage, chronic liver disease, hormonal imbalances and even death. These fake products contain harmful additives and impurities designed to mimic the effects of authentic spirits while putting lives at risk,” said the statement.
“Smuggling from South Africa and Mozambique amplifies the problem, flooding Zimbabwe’s market with hazardous and unregulated products.
“These illicit goods not only compromise consumer safety but also undermine trust in premium alcohol brands.”
Under the campaign, distributors are working with Government and law-enforcement agents.
“We are collaborating with a number of Government bodies to tackle the illicit alcohol trade and advocating for stricter enforcement of alcohol regulations,” added the statement.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Mr Denford Mutashu, said: “Most known brands for low- and high-end markets are imitations of original brands and very difficult to differentiate … CZR strongly warns all sprouting and established liquor outlets to desist from selling imitations as genuine brands … It is a serious offence and is punishable by law.”
Retail shops or liquor outlets that sell counterfeit alcohol, Mr Mutashu said, must be punished.
It is believed that proliferation of liquor outlets has exacerbated the problem.
