Fanta, Sprite safe for consumption – NBC

The Nigerian Bottling Company Plc,yesterday assured Nigerians that its Fanta and Sprite beverages are safe for consumption and benzoic acid or Vitamin C contained in them was in order.

The company’s position came on the heels of Tuesday’s Lagos High Court verdict which ordered the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to mandate the NBC to include on all bottles of Fanta and Sprite soft drinks manufactured by the company written warning that the content of the said bottles of soft drinks can’t be taken with Vitamin C as same becomes poisonous if taken with Vitamin C.

The company’s Legal, Public Affairs and Communications Director, Sade Morgan(Mrs), gave the clarification in a statement yesterday.

Saying: “The wrong perception emanating from the media reports that our Fanta and Sprite beverages which are fully compliant with all national and international food quality and safety standards are unsafe, simply because their levels of Benzoic acid were not within the UK standards, is not only unfounded but also undermines the entire food and beverage industry in Nigeria which is regulated by the same ingredient levels approved by NAFDAC and other regulatory bodies for the country.

“NBC hereby assures our consumers and members of the public of our unwavering commitment to product quality, safety and customer satisfaction.’’