Zim GBC News | Harare Correspondent
HARARE – A chilling food safety scandal has erupted in the capital after whistleblower revelations that a popular CBD restaurant has been serving meat labelled for pets to unsuspecting human customers. The Harare City Council has launched an urgent investigation into the establishment, with health inspectors now combing through the premises.
The investigation was triggered by a whistleblower inside the restaurant who came out with stomach-churning allegations.
According to the worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, the practice is a deliberate cost-cutting measure in Zimbabwe’s struggling economy.
“Some of the products brought into the kitchen are clearly marked pet food,” the worker revealed.
“We are told to process it just like any other meat. We wash it, add spices and heavy sauces, and cook it thoroughly. The customers have no idea what they are actually eating. To them, it’s just a meal.”
Undercover footage obtained by investigators appears to substantiate the claims. The videos show a kitchen worker handling products with pet food labelling before preparing them for the pot. The same pot was later observed being transported to the main restaurant area for service during peak lunch hours.
When confronted by journalists, the restaurant owner reacted with explosive hostility, issuing threats rather than offering any defence.
“Who told you that? That is nonsense,” the owner shouted.
“If you publish that, I will deal with you. I can beat you up. I am untouchable. You are making a big mistake. Nothing will happen to me.”
Despite the owner’s boasts of being above the law, the City of Harare has moved decisively. Dr Prosper Chonzi, the Council’s Director of Health Services, confirmed that inspectors are on site and taking the matter seriously.
“All food outlets in the City are subject to routine and spot inspections,” Dr Chonzi stated.
“If there is any violation of health regulations, appropriate enforcement measures will be taken. No one is above the law, and we will follow the evidence wherever it leads.”
Public health experts have reacted with alarm, warning of grave dangers to consumers.
“Food labelled for animal consumption is not processed or regulated under the same standards as food for humans,” explained a public health specialist.
“The sourcing, handling, and preservation standards are completely different. If such products are being served to people, that is a grave violation of public health laws. It poses serious risks of foodborne illnesses and long-term health complications.”
The scandal has drawn comparisons to the infamous “Mbare Pie Scandal” of November 2025, when informal traders were discovered buying frozen pet food in bulk to use as filling for meat pies sold to commuters and school children. That revelation shocked the nation and highlighted the extreme measures some resort to in response to economic hardship.
Regional parallels have also emerged.
In South Africa, the City of Johannesburg shut down the Alexandra Metro Butchery in Wynberg in January 2026 following a raid that uncovered dogs kept illegally on the premises, expired meat being relabelled, and carcasses rotting in faulty refrigeration units.
Back in Harare, regular diners expressed shock and disgust at the allegations.
“We are living in a time where you have to question every plate of food you buy,” said a customer who frequents the area.
“If a formal restaurant in the CBD can sell pet food, what is happening in the back alleys where there are no inspectors at all? It’s terrifying.”
Legal experts note that the restaurant owner could face severe consequences under the Public Health Act and the Food and Food Standards Act, which carry heavy fines and potential imprisonment for selling food unfit for human consumption.
However, the owner’s claim of being “untouchable” has raised concerns about possible political or financial patronage shielding rogue businesses.
Health authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution when dining out.
“Look for valid health certificates displayed in restaurants,” Dr Chonzi advised.
“Report any suspicious smells, tastes, or unusually low prices. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
Laboratory tests on meat samples seized from the restaurant are expected within the week. For now, the people of Harare wait to see if justice will be served, or if the “untouchable” owner will indeed remain beyond the reach of the law.
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