Michael Gwarisa
A daring local manufacturer of a herbal aphrodisiac, known as Hubaba, has come under fire for using the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) logo without the organisation’s consent.
MCAZ is responsible for registering pharmaceutical products and consumables in Zimbabwe. However, a growing trend has emerged where herbal merchants and manufacturers falsely claim to be registered with MCAZ as a way to mislead unsuspecting consumers.
In a statement, MCAZ Director General, Mr Richard Rukwata, warned that this trend must stop immediately.
“The Authority has 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,” said Mr Rukwata.
He added that such conduct is “illegal and deceptive,” intended to mislead consumers into believing that unregistered products have undergone regulatory evaluation.
“The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) wishes to warn 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. The product was manufactured and distributed by 3 Summer Investments.
He further said the use of the MCAZ 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,” said Mr Rukwata.
The Authority further warned 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.
