Reps Move To Investigate Soft Drinks Produced In Nigeria

The lawmakers have also called on National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC to review composition of all carbonated drinks in Nigeria to ascertain their chemical components.

Recall that a publication released by UK Health authorities showed that two or three products of the Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd could cause severe and or terminal harm on unsuspecting members of the public.

Rep Emma Oghene Egoh, PDP, Lagos who moved the motion said “the government is silent because nothing has been mentioned from their side as we do know they can fly their relatives to abroad for treatment so they don’t care.”

On his own part, Julius Fakeye, APC, Osun said, “for many years I headed an agro allied desk in the bank for many years and I do know that Coca-Cola is a global brand and if for any reason they are no longer selling a global brand then it calls for concern.”

But Aminu Shehu Shagari, APC, Sokoto called for caution among his colleagues because the 6th House had carried out such an investigative hearing only to discover that it was false.

He explained that “Ajinomoto a respectable firm was accused in the 6th House that its products were injurious to health after we visited the parent company and an indepth investigation it was discovered that the information was false.”

The Leader of the House, Rep Femi Gbajabiamila, APC, Surulere Fed Constituency, Lagos in his view told the House that the promoter of the motion did not include the fact that it was based on a court judgment.

He said, “NBC did not deny at the court rather it claimed that the products were not meant for export, they were meant for Nigerians only.

“I remember in the 7th House how an investigation was carried out to investigate the content of Red Bull energy drink I can’t remember what eventually but the truth is that we should look out for the security and welfare of our people.”