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Organicare convicted for selling unregistered medicine
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A Harare-based health products company, Organicare Zimbabwe, has been convicted for violating national medicines regulations after it was caught selling unapproved complementary medicines at an unlicensed outlet in the capital.
The conviction follows a joint inspection carried out on March 13, 2025, by officials from the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) and officers from the CID Drugs and Narcotics Unit. The raid targeted Organicare's outlet at Shop 105, first floor of Rockies Mall, located at the corner of Albion and Chinhoyi streets.
According to court documents, the operation was triggered by a tip-off alleging that the premises were selling unregistered herbal and complementary medicines. At the time of inspection, the shop was being run by Ruvarashe Masiyarira, who told authorities she was selling on behalf of Patience Chiwetu of Stoneridge Park, Harare.
Authorities confiscated more than 200 bottles and packets of unregistered medicines marketed under names such as AlphaMAX, BioComplex, Fertility Support, Gut Restore, Virility Plus, Prosta Male, CardioCare, Cumini, Complex, Honey Bean, Maximo, GyneoCare, OsteoCare, Hypercare, Iron Elixir, and GyneoPrime. Investigations revealed that the products were manufactured under the Organicare brand and carried medicinal claims for conditions including infertility, prostate problems, heart disease, bone health, and sexual performance.
MCAZ inspectors testified that a check of the national register confirmed neither Chiwetu nor Organicare was licensed to sell complementary medicines. None of the seized products had been approved by the Authority, making their sale unlawful.
Zimbabwe's Medicines and Allied Substances Control (Complementary Medicines) Regulations, 2015 (SI 97 of 2015), prohibit the sale of complementary medicines without prior approval. Violations carry penalties of a fine, up to six months' imprisonment, or both. The court also heard that Organicare had unlawfully advertised its products through flyers, television programmes, and social media, in violation of the Medicines and Allied Substances (Control of Advertising) Regulations, 1991.
"This conviction is a stern reminder that the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe will not tolerate unlicensed and unregulated sales of medicines to the public," the MCAZ inspector said in court. "All medicines, whether conventional or complementary, must go through proper approval processes to ensure safety, quality, and efficacy."
The court stressed the importance of protecting consumers in a growing market for herbal and alternative medicines, many of which remain untested. The ruling sends a strong warning to other operators attempting to bypass regulatory requirements, with the risk of both financial penalties and custodial sentences.
The matter was finalised at the Harare Magistrates Court under the special jurisdiction granted by Section 69 of the Medicines and Allied Substances Act.
The conviction follows a joint inspection carried out on March 13, 2025, by officials from the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) and officers from the CID Drugs and Narcotics Unit. The raid targeted Organicare's outlet at Shop 105, first floor of Rockies Mall, located at the corner of Albion and Chinhoyi streets.
According to court documents, the operation was triggered by a tip-off alleging that the premises were selling unregistered herbal and complementary medicines. At the time of inspection, the shop was being run by Ruvarashe Masiyarira, who told authorities she was selling on behalf of Patience Chiwetu of Stoneridge Park, Harare.
Authorities confiscated more than 200 bottles and packets of unregistered medicines marketed under names such as AlphaMAX, BioComplex, Fertility Support, Gut Restore, Virility Plus, Prosta Male, CardioCare, Cumini, Complex, Honey Bean, Maximo, GyneoCare, OsteoCare, Hypercare, Iron Elixir, and GyneoPrime. Investigations revealed that the products were manufactured under the Organicare brand and carried medicinal claims for conditions including infertility, prostate problems, heart disease, bone health, and sexual performance.
MCAZ inspectors testified that a check of the national register confirmed neither Chiwetu nor Organicare was licensed to sell complementary medicines. None of the seized products had been approved by the Authority, making their sale unlawful.
Zimbabwe's Medicines and Allied Substances Control (Complementary Medicines) Regulations, 2015 (SI 97 of 2015), prohibit the sale of complementary medicines without prior approval. Violations carry penalties of a fine, up to six months' imprisonment, or both. The court also heard that Organicare had unlawfully advertised its products through flyers, television programmes, and social media, in violation of the Medicines and Allied Substances (Control of Advertising) Regulations, 1991.
"This conviction is a stern reminder that the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe will not tolerate unlicensed and unregulated sales of medicines to the public," the MCAZ inspector said in court. "All medicines, whether conventional or complementary, must go through proper approval processes to ensure safety, quality, and efficacy."
The court stressed the importance of protecting consumers in a growing market for herbal and alternative medicines, many of which remain untested. The ruling sends a strong warning to other operators attempting to bypass regulatory requirements, with the risk of both financial penalties and custodial sentences.
The matter was finalised at the Harare Magistrates Court under the special jurisdiction granted by Section 69 of the Medicines and Allied Substances Act.
Source - Health Times
