CONTAMINATED SPRITE BRANDS IN CIRCULATION, NAFDAC WARNS NIGERIANS

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to a batch of  unwholesome Sprite brands contained in 50cl glass bottles, currently circulating in Nigerian Market.

NAFDAC said the product was discovered following a consumer complaint received and investigated by the post-marketing surveillance unit of the agency.

The agency said the investigation revealed that over five crates of the implicated batch of Sprite 50cl glass bottles were discovered to be contaminated with particles.

“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.

“Similarly, a comprehensive current Good Manufacturing Practice Inspection of the manufacturing site is to be carried out by the Agency, this is to find the route cause of the contamination and ensure compliance to marketing authorisation.

“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,” NAFDAC said in a statement on its website.

NAFDAC said the product manufacturer was Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (Abuja plant) with AZ6 22:32 batch number.

It added that the product was manufactured on April 4, 2023.

“NAFDAC implores distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance to avoid the consumption, sale, or distribution of the unwholesome product. 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,” NAFDAC added.

EHCON TO GO TOUGH ON ABATTOIRS AND OTHER REGULATED PREMISES

    Dr. Yakubu Baba Mohammed

The Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), said it will go tough on all regulated premises in the country especially abattoirs, including filling stations and places where fuel explorations are taking place.

The Registrar/CEO Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) Dr. Yakubu Baba Mohammed has disclosed that the Council will go hard on regulated premises such as the abattoirs, filling stations and places where fuel exploration is taking place.

Dr. Baba made this known in Abuja during the Council’s courtesy visit to Daily Trust headquarters.

The Registrar revealed that so many opportunities of disease transmission is happening within  regulated premises.

“What is happening in the abattoirs, especially, is what is increasing the rate of cancer in Nigeria because, apart from the poor sanitation and hygiene situation, you will see a lot of smoke coming out as a result of using the tyre to smoke the meat. The smoke itself is also affecting the ozone layer and contributing significantly to the issue of climate change”, he noted.

He added that the Council is looking at the issues of filling station’s safety and sanitary measures while also looking at our abattoirs where our meat are processed.

Dr. Baba called for collaboration with Daily Trust and other Media organizations, saying:“we deem it fit to start visiting Media organizations in order to create awareness on the mandate and also the responsibility of the Council so that when we get to the field, it is our belief that the Media are going to play a vital role”.

The EHCON boss further disclosed that, the Council is working with the Ministry of Agriculture to provide a smart abattoir, where generated waste that contain a lot of virus can be converted into bio-gas adding that, “we are here not just to identify the problems but also find solutions”.

According to the Council boss, “with the support of the Federal Ministry of Environment, the council has established the first environmental health reference laboratory.

“EHCON has over fifty thousand environmental health officers who have been empowered by law to ensure that the environment is adequately policed by them”, he said.

Speaking earlier, the Group Executive Director Business Development, Ahmed Ibrahim Shekarau welcomed and thanked the Registrar for his timely visit at a critical moment like this when the Council want to embark on enforcement of the environmental heath laws.