Amid the ongoing food shortage in the country, Zodiak has learnt that about 132 tonnes of maize flour belonging to ADMARC have gone rotten at its warehouses in Liwonde and Blantyre.

According to inside sources, the flour rot due to poor storage management at the warehouses, and upon realizing its condition, management sent it to its depots, where it has been sold only to staff at low prices.

Zodiak understands that staff were instructed not to sell the flour to members of the public, as it was considered part of their privilege. However, inside sources say the flour contained worms and mould, and Zodiak has seen some of the affected bags.

When contacted, ADMARC spokesperson Theresa Chapulapula said she was unaware of the matter and promised to get back to us. However, despite repeated follow-up calls, her phone remained unanswered at the time of publication.

Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) Executive Director John Kapito has condemned the development, saying ADMARC ventured into a field in which it lacks experience, adding that many Malawians were not aware that ADMARC produces maize flour.

Concurring with Kapito, social commentator Lucky Mbewe described the development as unfortunate and urged the government to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

Recently, the government purchased 200,000 metric tonnes of maize from Zambia, which is expected to start arriving in the country from the first week of January to maintain national maize stocks.