TBS flags dangers of excessive drinking

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) has highlighted the critical challenge of curbing excessive alcohol consumption, because it threatens public health, productivity and community well-being nationwide.

Acting Manager for Food Risk Assessment at TBS, Ms Immaculatha Tarimo, made the statement recently during an education campaign to workers in Manyara, Arusha, Moshi and Rombo on the harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption.

“Controlling irresponsible alcohol consumption is a cross-cutting issue, and TBS works closely with local government authorities and other stakeholders nationwide to regulate these products,” she said.

The study was conducted last year by TBS, following citizens’ complaints about excessive alcohol consumption. She said many young people who are employed often spend their earnings on alcohol, sometimes losing track of how much they have consumed by the end of the day.

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She added that the bureau is focusing on its core responsibilities, including conducting market inspections and providing public education.

In its study, TBS tested 393 alcohol samples, of which 92 per cent met quality standards. The alcohol samples were taken randomly from the market and tested for quality in TBS laboratories that are officially accredited.

The study found that spirits (hard liquor) are the most consumed, followed by beer and wine. The study also revealed that men lead in excessive alcohol consumption.

According to the findings, 82 per cent of alcohol consumers are men aged between 15 and 60 years, while women account for 18 per cent. The regions covered by the study were Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Mwanza, Arusha, Mbeya, Manyara, Dodoma, Songwe, Kigoma and Mtwara.