Toxic beverages: Reps probe NBC, others

By Joshua Egbodo
Abuja

House of Representatives has resolved to launch an investigation into the alleged manufacture and sale of some soft beverages in the country, over alleged presence of toxic substances used as ingredients.
To this end, the House in a resolution yesterday said it would set up an Ad Hoc committee to investigate the safety or otherwise of the products of the Nigeria Bottling Company (NBC), makers of Coke, Fanta, Sprite and other brands, as well as other similar products circulating in the country.

This followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Rotimi Agunsoye, who expressed the need to protect Nigerians from the harmful effects of such beverages.
Recall that a court case which lasted several years, and recently determined, indicted both Fanta and Sprite, products of the NBC, of containing high concentration of Benzoic Acid and Sunset Yellow additives, substances said to become harmful when taken with Ascorbic Acid, popularly known as Vitamin C.

Tracing the genesis of the saga, Agunsoye said Fanta and Sprite which were NBC’s brands were reportedly tested by the United Kingdom’s health authorities, and discovered to be harmful for human consumption, adding that “intake of Vitamin C among citizens is very high, thereby making Nigerians highly prone to the destructive effect of combining it with these Coca-Cola products.”

Making contribution to debate on the motion, Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the irony of the entire saga was that NBC did not deny the UK report, but only argued in court that it was not aware that the products were to be exported to the UK, “meaning, this issue is a fact, so we have to live up to our responsibilities to protect Nigerians. If this is true, the country should sue Coca-Cola for manslaughter.”

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