Reps order probe of NBC products, others

The House of Representatives on Wednesday proposed an ad-hoc committee to probe Nigerian Bottling Company limited and other drink products produced and marketed in Nigeria over alleged harmful component in the drinks.

The House resolution followed a motion moved by Hon Rotimi Agunsoye entitled “Need to protect Nigerians from the harmful effects of Fanta and Sprite beverages produced by the Nigerian Bottling Company.”

He noted that Sprite and Fanta, which are products of the Coca-Cola Company, are said to contain unhealthy concentrations of Benzoic Acid and Sunset Yellow additives which becomes poisonous when combined with Vitamin C that contains Ascorbic Acid.

According to him, the NBC drink products which were produced in Nigeria, were tested by Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council’s Trading Standard Department of Environment and Economy Directorate of the United Kingdom Health authorities and were discovered to be harmful for human consumption.

He however said that, the Company’s response to this revelation is that they never intended for the drinks to be taken outside the country, which in other words, means they were produced for consumption in Nigeria only.

He then noted that, the combination of Benzoic Acid and Sunset Yellow additives could result in cancer and other diseases if consumed with Vitamin C.

Contributing to the motion, House Leader, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila said that the motion should be taking seriously, saying that the motion was as a result of court ruling on the content of the product.

Hon Razak Atunwa while contributing to the motion said that the global standard of Benzoic Acid in NBC products which is 150mg/kg is not the case in Nigeria which is 250mg/kg.

On his part, Hon Femi Fakeye argued that the distribution of the product to the market should be suspended until proper investigation is carried out.

The motion scaled through when it was put to voice vote by the Speaker, Hon Yakubu Dogara.