Harare – The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has confiscated a product identified as “HUBABA” and warned companies against the unauthorised use of its name and logo in marketing and packaging.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the medicines regulator said the product was seized following a tip-off, in a joint operation with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
The product was manufactured and distributed by 3 Summer Investments.
MCAZ said it is investigating what it described as a growing trend in which individuals and companies falsely display the Authority’s logo and claim their products are “approved”, “certified” or “registered” without written authorisation.
“The use of the MCAZ logo is strictly controlled and may only be used with formal written approval from the Authority,” the regulator said.
“Any use outside this framework constitutes an offence.”
The Authority warned that such conduct violates the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act (MASCA) [Chapter 15:03] and related laws. Offenders risk prosecution, seizure of products and other enforcement measures.
According to MCAZ, the misuse of its identity poses a public health threat because it may mislead consumers into purchasing medicines and health products that have not undergone regulatory evaluation.
The regulator said this could expose the public to unsafe, substandard or falsified products.
The Authority did not indicate how long the alleged misuse had been taking place or whether additional arrests have been made. It also did not specify the nature or intended use of the confiscated product.
MCAZ urged members of the public, manufacturers and distributors to verify the registration status of medicines and allied substances through its official online register and recognised platforms.
It called on consumers and stakeholders to report any suspected abuse of its name, logo or claims of approval.
Director-General Mr Richard T. Rukwata said the regulator would not hesitate to take firm enforcement action against any individual or entity found misusing its regulatory authority.
The seizure marks the latest enforcement action by the medicines watchdog as it tightens oversight in the pharmaceutical and allied products sector.
