Reps wade into Fanta, Sprite controversy

The House of Representatives has waded into the controversy surrounding alleged harmful effects of Fanta and Sprite when taken with Vitamin C.

The lawmakers resolved in yesterday’s plenary, presided by Speaker Yakubu Dogara, to constitute an Ad hoc committee to investigate the quality of products produced and distrusted by the Nigerian Bottling Company ( NBC) Limited.

The House also urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to urgently investigate the chemical composition of carbonated drinks manufactured and sold in Nigeria.

The resolution of the House was based on a motion entitled: “Need to protect Nigerians from harmful effects of Fanta and Sprite produced by Nigerian Bottling Company”, sponsored by Rotimi Agunsoye.

The Federal Ministry of Health had, last Saturday, clarified government’s position on the matter, when it certified both drinks as safe for consumers.

The clarification came after a court judgement on the case filed by Fijabi Holdings and another versus the NBC and NAFDAC, joined as nominal parties.

The ministry, in a statement signed by the Director of Media and Public Relations, Akinola Boade, said investigations conducted by it showed that both benzoic acid and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) are ingredients approved by the International Food Safety regulators and used in many food and beverage products around the world.

But, Agunsoye, in his lead debate on the motion, said Fanta and Sprite, produced by the NBC, contains 250 mg/kg as against the internationally accepted 150mg/kg, and added that the court ordered NBC to inscribe on both products that consumers cannot take them along with Vitamin C.

The lawmaker also disclosed NBC’s products were tested by Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council Trading Standard Department of Environment and Economy Directorate in the United Kingdom  and were discovered to be harmful for human consumption.

Speaking in support of the motion, Archibong Henry expressed displeasure that the NBC had explained in court, that the products which failed tests in the U.K. weren’t produced for export.

“What they are trying to say is that Nigerians are animals. Judging by Nigeria’s large population, you can imagine the huge amount of money NBC makes from sales, yet their response, was that the drinks were not to sold outside the country”, Archibong said.

A suggestion by Femi Fakeye, that the chamber order suspension of distribution of Fanta, Coke and Sprite until investigation is concluded was rejected.

However, Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila said with the court ruling, the danger posed by consuming the beverages with Vitamin C has been proven.  Gbajabiamila restated his support for an investigation by the House.  “Nigerians should not be experimented with. Life is sacred and we have the mandate to protect people’s lives.”

Suggestion by a member Femi Fakeye that the House call for the suspension of the distribution of Fanta, Coke and Sprite until its investigation in concluded was rejected.

But the Minority Leader, Leo Ogor and another member Aminu Shehu Sagari called for caution, saying, the House should only take a position after the adhoc committee presents its report.

Shagrari noted that with the advent of the social media, a few products have been de-marketed through  unconfirmed stories on such products.

“Now, we have heard of plastic rice. So, we have to be careful and investigate and wait for whatever the committee comes up with”, he added.

However, Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila opined that with the court ruling, the danger posed by consuming Fanta and Sprite with Vitamin C has been proven.

Gbajabiamila stated his support for an investigation by the House, saying, “Nigerians should not be experimented with. Life is sacred and we have the mandate to protect the lives of the people”.

SOURCE: THE SUN