NAFDAC alarms contaminated batch of Sprite bottles in Nigeria

A public alert was released by Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) regarding a batch of glass bottles of brand Sprite 50cl that had been contaminated.

A consumer complaint that was later looked into by NAFDAC’s post-marketing surveillance unit led to the discovery of the tainted product, according to an official statement issued by the agency’s administration.

After conducting a thorough investigation, NAFDAC discovered that a certain batch (BN: AZ6 22:32) of glass Sprite 50cl bottles produced on April 18, 2023 (MFD: 180423) was found to have impurities in the form of foreign particles.

“The affected batch of this substandard product has been carefully sampled and will undergo laboratory analysis in the NAFDAC laboratory. The Agency has issued directives to all zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove the compromised batch from circulation,” the statement reads.

NAFDAC has pledged to identify the root cause of the contamination by conducting a comprehensive inspection of the manufacturing site, ensuring compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards.

Furthermore, the Agency has mandated the Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (Abuja plant), the manufacturer of the implicated batch, to initiate a recall of the compromised product and report to NAFDAC for rigorous monitoring.

NAFDAC has urged individuals in possession of the contaminated search Sprite 50cl glass bottles to surrender their stock to the nearest NAFDAC office. Additionally, the Agency has advised distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution, refraining from the consumption, sale, or distribution of this compromised product.