Nigerians have been warned by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control that some bottles of Sprite in the market are contaminated.
According to NAFDAC, “Particles” have been found in five crates of the soft drink at shops and a production facility.
It is not clear what those particles are, but the authorities say it is the 50cl-size Sprite bottle in particular that is affected.
“On investigation, at the point of purchase and supplier’s address, over five (5) crates of the implicated batch of Sprite 50cl glass bottles were discovered to be contaminated with particles,” NAFDAC said in a press release dated June 24 .
Some consumers online say the announcement is too vague and are demanding more information, the BBC reports.
Find NAFDAC’s full statement below:
Public Alert No. 022/2023 – Alert on Unwholesome Sprite 50cl Glass Bottle Batch number AZ6 22:32
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is notifying the public of a batch of unwholesome Sprite 50cl glass bottles circulating in Nigeria. This product was discovered following a consumer complaint received and investigated by the post-marketing surveillance unit of the Agency.
On investigation, at the point of purchase and supplier’s address, over five (5) 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 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 (cGMP) 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 authorization.
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.
Product details
The details of the products are as follows.
Product name: Sprite 50cl glass bottles
Product manufacturer: Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (Abuja plant)
BN: AZ6 22:32
MFD: 180423
BB: 180424
Product Image
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.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicion of distribution and sale of unwholesome packaged food products to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
Similarly, consumers are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the consumption of unwholesome packaged food products to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med-safety application available for download on android and IOS stores or via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng
NAFDAC……..Customer-focused, Agency-minded!!!
Signed Management