NAFDAC alerts Nigerians to contaminated Sprite drink in circulation

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has issued a pronouncement, warning Nigerians about contaminated Sprite drink in circulation.

In a statement, NAFDAC alerted the public to a batch of unwholesome Sprite 50cl glass bottles circulating in Nigeria.

NAFDAC said that, “This product was discovered following a consumer complaint received and investigated by the post-marketing surveillance unit of the Agency. ”

The agency revealed that, 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.

The regulatory agency stated that the affected batch of the contaminated product was sampled for laboratory analysis in the NAFDAC laboratory and the Agency had directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to carry out surveillance and mop up the implicated batch of the unwholesome product in the market.

Continuing, NAFDAC notified that, “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.”

However, the concerned company, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (Abuja plant) had been directed to recall the implicated batch of the unwholesome product and report to NAFDAC for effective monitoring.

NAFDAC called on the product distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance by avoiding the consumption, sale, or distribution of the unwholesome product.

The agency advised Nigerians to carefully watch out for products’ authenticity and physical condition.

It called on anyone in possession of the batch of Sprite 50cl glass bottles in question should submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

The statement warned that, “If you, or someone you know, have consumed this product or suffered any adverse reaction or effects after consumption, you are advised to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

“Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicion of distribution and sale of unwholesome packaged food products to the nearest NAFDAC office.”

In the same vein, the agency implored consumers to without hesitation report any adverse events or side effects related to the consumption of unwholesome packaged food products in any part of the country to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website.