NAFDAC raises alarm over ‘contaminated’ soft drink

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over a contaminated batch of unwholesome Sprite 50cl glass bottles circulating in Nigeria.

The agency in a statement signed by its management said the product was discovered following a consumer complaint received and investigated by the post-marketing surveillance unit of the Agency.

According to the statement, over five crates of the implicated batch (BN: AZ6 22:32) of Sprite 50cl glass bottles with manufacturing date (MFD: 180423) were discovered to be contaminated with particles.

READ ALSO: Study links soft drinks to cardiovascular disease, diabetes

“The affected batch of the unwholesome product has been sampled for laboratory analysis in the NAFDAC laboratory and the Agency has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to carry out surveillance and mop up the implicated batch of the unwholesome product,” the statement said.

NAFDAC promised to find the root cause of the contamination by carrying out a comprehensive current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) Inspection of the manufacturing site to ensure compliance.

The Agency further directed the company, (Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (Abuja plant) to recall the implicated batch of the unwholesome product and report to NAFDAC for effective monitoring.

NAFDAC also implored those in possession of the contaminated Sprite 50cl glass bottles to submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office while it urged distributors, retailers, and consumers to be cautious and avoid the consumption, sale, or distribution of the unwholesome product.