October 2024: Zanzibar Intensifies Efforts Against Counterfeit Medicines with Introduction of New Security Label
The Zanzibar Food and Drug Agency (ZFDA) has implemented a national security labeling program targeting counterfeit, substandard, expired, and diverted medicines, cosmetics, and personal care products. The initiative requires importers and distributors to source exclusively from verified manufacturers and trusted suppliers.
Early 2025 reports from ZFDA highlight encouraging results, particularly in safeguarding cancer, thyroid, and antibiotic medications. Covert technologies integrated into the security labels include ValiMark, TraceTag’s proprietary security ink feature, supporting the program’s mission to protect public health and ensure product integrity. Zanzibar’s largest medicines importer Aruna Pharmacy said that after the introduction of the programme, counterfeit activities the company had previously experienced against its brands have now “completely stopped” and it is seeing an increase in revenues. (SecuringIndustry.com).