The Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) has seized close to 100
loaves of bread from Yatu Bakery in Lusaka’s Kalingalinga compund after
inspectors discovered that the bakery was selling underweight products - bread
that looked full-size on the shelf but went missing in action on the scale.
The raid happened on 8 January 2026 as ZMA intensified random spot checks this month, part of its routine oversight to ensure traders comply with the Metrology Act.
According to the agency’s public relations officer, Ms. Sandra Mwila, two bread varieties - Yatu Sliced Bread (declared 800g) and Super Big Loaf (declared 700g) - both failed the basic honesty test.
“The actual weights were less than what was declared on the packaging, which is a direct contravention of the Metrology Act,” Mwila said in a press release. With the violation confirmed, ZMA confiscated the loaves and later disposed of them through the Magistrate Court, in line with legal procedure.
The agency didn’t hold back on its warning to the industry. “We urge consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspicions of underweight or incorrectly measured products.” “Bakeries and traders must comply with the Metrology Act. Enforcement actions may include seizure of commodities, fines, or prosecution.”
In short - if you print 800g, you had better deliver 800g, not 650g with confidence. And honestly, at a time when every Kwacha count, selling bread that is mysteriously lighter before it even reaches the toaster isn’t just illegal… it’s disrespectful. Consumers are already struggling - they shouldn’t have to fight a bakery scale too.
Just to Unlock Your Mind:
Underweight commodities may seem like a “small issue,” but small grams multiplied by thousands of loaves translate to unfair profits and consumer loss.
The Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, established by the Metrology Act No. 6 of 2017. It is responsible for providing scientific, industrial, and legal metrology services to ensure measurement accuracy throughout Zambia.
The Metrology Act is built to protect the everyday buyer - ensuring that weight, volume, and price move in one straight line. When a bakery chooses shortcuts, what they shave off the scale eventually shaves off their credibility too.
The raid happened on 8 January 2026 as ZMA intensified random spot checks this month, part of its routine oversight to ensure traders comply with the Metrology Act.
According to the agency’s public relations officer, Ms. Sandra Mwila, two bread varieties - Yatu Sliced Bread (declared 800g) and Super Big Loaf (declared 700g) - both failed the basic honesty test.
“The actual weights were less than what was declared on the packaging, which is a direct contravention of the Metrology Act,” Mwila said in a press release. With the violation confirmed, ZMA confiscated the loaves and later disposed of them through the Magistrate Court, in line with legal procedure.
The agency didn’t hold back on its warning to the industry. “We urge consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspicions of underweight or incorrectly measured products.” “Bakeries and traders must comply with the Metrology Act. Enforcement actions may include seizure of commodities, fines, or prosecution.”
In short - if you print 800g, you had better deliver 800g, not 650g with confidence. And honestly, at a time when every Kwacha count, selling bread that is mysteriously lighter before it even reaches the toaster isn’t just illegal… it’s disrespectful. Consumers are already struggling - they shouldn’t have to fight a bakery scale too.
Just to Unlock Your Mind:
Underweight commodities may seem like a “small issue,” but small grams multiplied by thousands of loaves translate to unfair profits and consumer loss.
The Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, established by the Metrology Act No. 6 of 2017. It is responsible for providing scientific, industrial, and legal metrology services to ensure measurement accuracy throughout Zambia.
The Metrology Act is built to protect the everyday buyer - ensuring that weight, volume, and price move in one straight line. When a bakery chooses shortcuts, what they shave off the scale eventually shaves off their credibility too.
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