NAFDAC issues public alert on batch of contaminated ‘Sprite’ drink
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert to warn Nigerians about a batch of contaminated Sprite drink packed in 50cl bottles.
This is also as the agency urged distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance to avoid the consumption, sale, or distribution of the unwholesome product.
NAFDAC in a statement, Thursday, while notifying the public of a batch of unwholesome Sprite 50cl glass bottles circulating in the country, said the contaminated product ‘was discovered following a consumer complaint received and investigated by the post-marketing surveillance unit of the Agency.’
“On investigation, at the point of purchase and supplier’s address, over five crates of the implicated batch of Sprite 50cl glass bottles were discovered to be contaminated with particles.
“Similarly, a comprehensive current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) Inspection of the manufacturing site is to be carried out by the Agency, this is to find the root cause of the contamination and ensure compliance to marketing authorization.
“Furthermore, the company, (Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (Abuja plant) has been directed to recall the implicated batch of the unwholesome product and report to NAFDAC for effective monitoring.
“The details of the products – Product name: Sprite 50cl glass bottles and Product manufacturer: Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (Abuja plant).
The agency advised that the products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.
“Anyone in possession of the above-mentioned batch of Sprite 50cl glass bottles is advised to submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.
“If you, or someone you know, have consumed this product or suffered any adverse reaction/event after consumption, you are advised to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional,” the agency said.
“Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicion of distribution and sale of unwholesome packaged food products to the nearest NAFDAC office.
“Similarly, consumers are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the consumption of unwholesome packaged food products to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website,” the agency said in the statement.
It further disclosed that the affected batch of the unwholesome product has already 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.
