by James, Michael Igiri
Suntory Beverage and Food Nigeria Limited, manufacturers of Lucozade have
assured its consumers as well as the general public that its range of Lucozade
drinks do not contain benzoic acid and as such is safe and healthy for human
consumption as they do not contain the harmful benzoic acid.
The revelation became necessary after some unconfirmed reports claimed that
benzoic acid has been detected in Lucozade.
In a media statement from the manufacturers firm, Suntory Beverage and Food
Nigeria Limited said that all its brands are produced in line with local and
international standards and it will not compromise quality or endanger the lives of
Nigeria.
“Our attention has been drawn to media reports on an investigation commissioned
by the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) to analyse the levels of benzoic acid
contained in soft drinks produced in Nigeria in which our brand Lucozade was
mentioned.
“We will like to state categorically that Lucozade does not contain benzoic acid
and our products are processed and manufactured under the best quality standard
meets both local regulations and global guidelines” the statement said.
It was further stated: “Our local supervisory agencies including NAFDAC and
SON routinely validate our processes and standards to ensure the safety of our
products for consumer benefits.”
In view of this clarification, the company reassured its consumers of its
commitment towards producing brands that Nigerians construct at all times.
“Lucozade is a drink of heritage that has energized Nigerians for over four
decades. As a company, the safety of our consumers is paramount to us, and we
will do everything possible to protest the trust they have vested in us to deliver
world class products” the statement explained.
This is coming just a few weeks after the controversy that rocked giant beverage
maker, Coca-Cola Nigeria over the discovery of benzoic acid in the content of
some of its products.