Concern as several food products sold in Asian supermarkets in Dar lack labels in Kiswahili or English

The Citizen is withholding the names of the supermarkets after unsuccessfully seeking a response from their owners for about a month now.

Some imported goods sold at the outlets were found to have been labelled exclusively in Asian languages, making it difficult for Tanzanian shoppers to understand crucial product information.

This is in violation of existing regulations set by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), which require essential product details to be in a language that is widely understood by consumers in the country.

According to TBS, product labelling must comply with national standards, specifically TZS 538:2015, which stipulates that pre-packaged food products be labelled in English or any other official language used within the East African Community (EAC).

The government has reiterated that selling products without labels in widely spoken languages violates both local and international laws.

TBS director general Ashura Katunzi told The Citizen that all imported products must meet labelling requirements before entering the market.

“TBS recognises the presence of foreign communities in Tanzania and understands that products may be marked with specific cultural parameters. However, these products must still meet essential labelling requirements,” she said.

Dr Katunzi added that TBS inspectors conduct market surveillance and legal action is taken against violators, particularly for products that cannot be corrected with supplementary labels such as infant formula.

The issue is not just regulatory but also affects consumers directly.

Shoppers at the supermarkets reported difficulty in identifying products due to the language barrier.

Some resorted to using mobile translation applications, while others abandoned their purchases altogether.

Ms Neema Mwakyusa shared her experience. “I wanted to buy candy and chocolate for my daughter, but I couldn’t understand the labels. I was unable to check the flavour, expiry date, or whether it contained ingredients I needed to avoid.”

A Tanzanian shop assistant at one of the outlets, who requested anonymity, admitted to struggling with the language barrier himself.

 “Many customers ask about ingredients, but I can’t always help because I don’t understand the labels either,” he said.

Reached for comment, Industry and Trade deputy minister Exaud Kigahe said imported products must adhere to labelling laws.

“If such products are found on the market, it means they violate both national and international laws. Consumers must know what they are using and what the product contains; otherwise, those products would be considered smuggled,” he said.

However, Mr Kigahe also noted that exceptions might exist for products sold in culturally specific settings, such as restaurants catering to specific communities.

“This does not apply to goods sold in public supermarkets. Products in the general market must have labels in Kiswahili or English to ensure consumer safety and informed decision-making,” he added.

A foreign national working at one of the supermarkets, who declined to be named, acknowledged the concerns, but defended the practice.

“This supermarket is for all customers and I’m aware of the language issue, but we follow what our colleagues are doing.  I know some companies have struggled to run supermarkets and are envious of us,” he said.

While foreign investments are welcomed as a boost to Tanzania’s economy, concerns persist that inconsistent enforcement of laws may create unfair advantages for foreign businesses.

Local traders argue that while they are compelled to adhere to strict regulatory standards, some foreign-owned supermarkets appear to bypass them without facing consequences.

However, Mr Kigahe said the government is committed to fair competition.

 “Before any product enters the local market, the importer must submit samples for review by regulatory bodies.  We will send a team to investigate and take appropriate action,” he said.