The House of Representatives has tasked the Nigeria Bottling Company Limited and other producers to print labels on Fanta and Sprite warning that the products are harmful when taken with Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C).
The call is contained in the report of the ad-hoc Committee investigation the alleged high concentration of Benzoic Acid and Sunset Yellow additives in Fanta and Sprite, both products of the NBC.
The report which was considered and adopted yesterday, also recommended that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), compel producers/manufacturers to indicate all chemicals, acids, colorants and preservatives contained on their products on the packs or bottles no matter how negligible they are.
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The House also adopted the recommendation that from January 2019, expiration dates must be printed on all carbonated and non- carbonated drinks produced and marketed in Nigeria.
It further adopted the recommendation that standard review be carried out biannually by Regulatory Agencies, particularly, the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in collaboration with NAFDAC.
In adopting the report of the Femi Gbajabiamila-led ad-hoc committee, the House mandated its committee on Health Services to beam its searchlight on the activities of regulatory bodies as well as Manufacturers and marketers of food and beverages in the country.
Leadership recalls that the House in March, 2017 resolved to investigate the the alleged health risks associated with the consumption of the products in combination with Ascorbic Acid, better known as Vitamin C, following the adoption of a motion on the need to Protect Nigerians From The Harmful Effects of Fanta and Sprite Beverages Produced By Nigerian Bottling Company and promoted.
