The Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, NBC, has said the levels for benzoic acid in soft drinks in Nigeria are among the lowest, at two hundred and fifty milligram per kilogram, compared to other tropical countries.
Responding to an investigation report by the Consumer Protection Council, CPC, into the benzoic acid levels in Fanta and Sprite soft drinks, it stated that the products comply with the permissible limits prescribed under the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) and with the international food safety limit prescribed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
The NBC Legal, Public Affairs and Communications Director, Mrs. Sade Morgan, stated this in Lagos, noting that the health ministry confirmed the safety of benzoic acid as a preservative and that Fanta and Sprite are safe for consumption.
She explained that the Benzoic acid in soft drinks in the US and Pakistan is one thousand milligram per kilogram, while that of Australia is four hundred milligram per kilogram.
The NBC appreciates the CPC for initiating the investigation, the speedy conclusion of the report and for publicizing the reassuring news of its findings while also commending the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC and SON for taking prompt and collaborative action to establish the facts early on.
Join our twitter community :
